This time of year the treats are out and we couldn’t be happier. Pair all the deliciously spicy flavors of fall with chilly days that make you want to snuggle up to something cozy and sweet, and we’re happy campers. Maybe a little chubby, but that’s what cable knits are for. If you’ve never made (or even tried!) fresh, cinnamon-sweet, crispy, spicy apple cider donuts, what are you even doing with your life? This cold weather treat is a must for fall days, and it’s time you learned how to make these spicy love cupcakes.
Why are apple cider donuts so good?
We all love our corner donut shops for a quick sugar fix and a cheap cup of coffee. Nothing says “it’s going to be a good Saturday morning” more than one of these cheerful pink boxes. Now imagine that instead of your usual or classic glazed maple bar, the donut in your hand is cool and warm, infused with crisp autumnal apple cider and fall spices, warm cinnamon and sugar crystals sprinkling fingertips. And instead of a fluorescent-lit store in a mall with chipped laminate flooring, you’re enjoying this donut in an incredibly fragrant and beautifully scenic apple orchard, owned and run by kind and jovial local farmers.
Sorry, rainbow sprinkles. Not today.
This special donut is not a usual Saturday morning thing. It’s one of those special foods that only taste good at a certain time of year. And when that time of year rolls around, watch out, because every fruit stand and orchard worth its salt is going to have hot, greasy, horribly sticky little brown bags of these treasures. Get them while they’re hot!
Why do they call them apple cider donuts?
Apple cider donuts are a cake donut made with…yes, you guessed it, apple cider. Unlike most donuts which are usually sweetened and flavored simply with sugar, these sweet treats are directly infused with apple cider, giving them their distinct flavor. While their classic cinnamon and sugar coating is the traditional choice, they can also be made with more classic donut store toppings like chocolate or maple glazes.
Are apple cider donuts a Nordic thing?
While the popularity of these delicious donuts initially took off on the northeast coast, over the years their sweet reputation has spread and they are now quite easy to find everywhere you look during the fall months. Because apples are grown and grown in so many climates, finding an orchard that offers these candies should be relatively easy if you’re in the mood to go apple picking and make a day of it. It’s basically a requirement at this time of year.
But if you fancy bringing some apple orchard vibes into your own kitchen, making these donuts at home is actually pretty easy. And your efforts are worth it. Trust us.
Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
(Of shit yummy)
People seem to fear frying more than other cooking methods. It’s understandable, with all the hot bubbling oil popping and sizzling. It might sound a little threatening. If you put the fear aside, though, and remember a few tips, you’ll be golden (see what we did there?).
First, use a thermometer! People get arrogant thinking they know when the oil is ready without using one, and it can have really gross results. If your oil is too cold, your donut will absorb more of it than expected and it will be a greasy, soggy, dripping mess. Too hot and you’ll end up with a burnt exterior and a raw interior.
Second, use a pan large enough to hold the oil you need for frying. If the oil is too close to the top of the pan, adding the donuts and the oil boiling can cause fires and burns. Not sexy.
Third, understand your oils. Different oils have different smoke points. This means that some oils can take the heat, while others are very sensitive to it and will start to smoke and burn on you. Vegetable oil is ideal for frying. Other good options include peanut and grapeseed oil.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups apple cider
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of yeast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups vegetable oil
Method:
- In a small saucepan over high heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Cook until cider is reduced to 1 cup, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Mix the sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a small dish, set aside.
- In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, nutmeg and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together the butter, eggs and apple cider reduction.
- Pour egg mixture over flour mixture, stirring until moistened.
- Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into 1/2-inch-thick rounds; cut out circles with a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter.
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until a frying thermometer reads 375F.
- Working a few pieces at a time, add rounds to the pan and fry until evenly browned, about 1 minute per side.
- Remove from oil and place on a stack of paper towels to remove excess oil. Immediately roll the hot donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve hot with coffee for ultimate bliss.
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