These Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are a delightful fall treat! Perfectly spiced with apple cider, cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup, these doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and baked to perfection. The cinnamon maple glaze on top adds a sweet finishing touch that will have you reaching for another bite. With the warm, comforting flavors of autumn, these doughnuts are perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm, fall-inspired flavors: The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and maple syrup brings a cozy, seasonal taste.
- Healthier option: Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts are a lighter version of the classic treat.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal effort, these doughnuts come together quickly.

Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
- Apple cider: The apple cider provides a rich, slightly tart flavor that makes these doughnuts extra special.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the doughnuts, giving them structure and fluffiness.
- Baking powder: Helps the doughnuts rise and become light and fluffy.
- Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note to the doughnuts.
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg complements the cinnamon and brings a cozy, holiday flavor.
- Salt: A small amount of salt enhances all the flavors in the doughnuts.
- Granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the doughnuts, giving them a balanced flavor.
- Eggs: The eggs help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the doughnuts.
- Unsalted butter: Butter gives the doughnuts a rich, tender texture.
- Milk: Milk helps to combine the dry ingredients and gives the doughnuts moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and flavor of the doughnuts.
For the Cinnamon Maple Glaze
- Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar forms the base of the glaze, giving it a smooth texture.
- Maple syrup: The maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon in the glaze adds a cozy, spiced note.
- Unsalted butter: Butter makes the glaze smooth and gives it a rich, velvety texture.
- Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla extract adds depth to the glaze.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Doughnuts
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and granulated sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, apple cider, unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract together until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spoon the doughnut batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the doughnuts comes out clean.
- Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Maple Glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat.
- Stir in the maple syrup and ground cinnamon. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Glaze the Doughnuts
- Once the doughnuts are completely cooled, dip the tops of each doughnut into the cinnamon maple glaze, coating them evenly.
- Place the glazed doughnuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the glaze has set, serve the doughnuts and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per doughnut)
Servings: 12
Calories: 220
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 95mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 2g
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different type of cider?
A1: You can use spiced apple cider for an extra kick, but regular apple cider will also work perfectly.
Q2: Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?
A2: Yes, the doughnuts can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q3: Can I freeze these doughnuts?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the doughnuts before glazing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before glazing.
Q4: Can I use a different type of flour?
A4: You can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular all-purpose flour to make these doughnuts gluten-free.
Q5: How can I make these doughnuts vegan?
A5: To make these doughnuts vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs, the milk with almond or oat milk, and the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
Q6: Can I add mix-ins to the doughnut batter?
A6: Yes, you can add chopped apples, chopped nuts, or raisins to the doughnut batter for added texture and flavor.
Q7: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A7: To make the glaze thicker, add more powdered sugar or reduce the amount of maple syrup used in the glaze.
Q8: Can I make these doughnuts without a doughnut pan?
A8: Yes, you can use a muffin tin instead of a doughnut pan. The baking time may vary slightly, so check the doneness with a toothpick.
Q9: How do I store leftover doughnuts?
A9: Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Q10: How can I serve these doughnuts at a party?
A10: These doughnuts are perfect for fall parties or breakfast gatherings. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy these Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze as the perfect autumn treat with a hot cup of coffee or tea!
Print
Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 14 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft, flavorful baked doughnuts are infused with the taste of apple cider, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and topped with a decadent brown butter cinnamon maple glaze. A perfect fall treat!
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts:
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 honeycrisp apple, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar
For the Brown Butter Cinnamon Maple Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 3/4 – 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-cup doughnut pan or a 12-cup muffin pan with melted butter.
- Reduce Apple Cider: Bring the apple cider to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Remove from heat and let it cool.
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Prepare Doughnut Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of the reduced apple cider, melted butter, eggs, apple butter, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Toss the chopped apple with cinnamon sugar, then stir the apples into the batter.
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Bake Doughnuts:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pan, filling each cavity 1/2 to 2/3 full.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes, or until the doughnuts are just set. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to release and invert the pan.
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Make the Glaze:
- Meanwhile, in a small pot set over medium heat, melt the butter and allow it to brown slightly until it smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, instant coffee, and cinnamon until smooth.
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Glaze the Doughnuts:
- Dip or drizzle the cooled doughnuts into the glaze. For best results, enjoy them warm!
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, feel free to add an extra dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze.
- These doughnuts are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 251kcal
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 195mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 46mg