Baked Apple Cider Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy fall treat, you’ve got to try this baked donuts recipe! These baked apple cider donuts are bursting with warm, delicious flavors, have just the right fluffy texture, and capture everything wonderful about the autumn season.

Really, is there anything more Fall than these baked apple cider donuts?

Pair them with a pumpkin spice latte or your favorite fall coffee, and you’ve got a peaceful moment to savor all season long.

But honestly, these donuts stand strong all by themselves.

First off, I have to say how much I adore their cozy flavor.

One bite and I’m immediately picturing crisp air, fuzzy hoodies, crackling campfires, and maybe a hayride or two.

People often say certain foods take them back to a special memory, and these donuts do just that for me.

They remind me of warmth, sweet chats by a fire, and mugs full of hot apple cider — all wrapped up in one delicious little package.

I’m being honest when I say these baked apple cider donuts aren’t just for breakfast. I catch myself grabbing one any time of day, really!

Plus, they’re the perfect grab-and-go snack for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Invite Fall into your kitchen and heart with these fabulous baked apple cider donuts!

There’s something utterly comforting about warm apple and cinnamon flavors when the leaves start falling — and these baked apple cider donuts nail that vibe perfectly. You start by gently simmering apple cider down to concentrate its natural sweetness, then stir it into a soft, cake-like batter made tender with buttermilk and applesauce. The result? Donuts that are light, fluffy, packed with bright apple flavor, and wrapped in the cozy spirit of fall.

What’s great is that these donuts are baked, not fried, making them lighter and quicker to whip up. You can easily choose to make mini donut holes or full-size donuts by adjusting a few minutes on the bake time. Each one gets a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that’s nostalgic and oh-so-satisfying.

• Hands-on time: about 30 minutes total (including cider reduction).
• Yield: makes a generous batch (around 40 donut holes).
• Bake times: mini donut holes take 9 to 10 minutes; full donuts bake 9 to 12 minutes.
• Key steps: slow-reduce 1 cup cider to 1/2 cup, mix wet and dry ingredients separately, gently combine, bake, then coat in cinnamon sugar.
• Quick swaps and storage: apple juice works well if you can’t find cider; buttermilk keeps them tender (see notes for an easy homemade substitution). Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or freeze for longer.

Keep reading for a detailed ingredient list, clear step-by-step directions, plus my favorite tips to make your baked apple cider donuts perfect every single time.

Why These Are So Flavorful

These baked apple cider donuts capture that magical mix of fall flavors with a simple recipe anyone can tackle. Reducing the apple cider intensifies the sweet apple notes, while applesauce, cinnamon, and buttermilk come together to create a tender, cake-like texture and full autumn flavor. Because they’re baked, not fried, they’re a little lighter and come together faster. Prefer the classic crisp edges? Try Easy Fried Apple Cider Donuts. Plus, you can make mini donut holes or full-size donuts just by slightly tweaking the baking time. The cinnamon-sugar topping is quick to prepare and turns every bite into a nostalgic, easy treat that’s perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or cozy get-togethers. For another cozy, apple-cinnamon bake that packs well for breakfast, see Apple Cinnamon Bread. And since this recipe makes a big batch, it’s great for sharing at parties or with hungry families.

Ingredients and Smart Swaps

• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 Tablespoons applesauce
• 4 Tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon

How to Make Them

1. Simmer 1 cup apple cider in a small saucepan for 10–15 minutes until reduced to about 1/2 cup; refrigerate to cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray mini muffin or donut pans with nonstick spray.
3. Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
4. Beat 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 2/3 cup brown sugar in a separate bowl until smooth.
5. Stir 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons applesauce, and the cooled reduced apple cider into the egg mixture.

6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.

   

7. Fill prepared pans about 3/4 full with batter.
8. Bake mini donut holes 9–10 minutes or full-size donuts 9–12 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Mix 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl to make the cinnamon-sugar.
10. While donuts are still warm, dip each in melted butter then roll in the cinnamon-sugar to coat.

Tips for Tender Donuts

• Take your time reducing the cider. Chilling it before adding helps keep your melted butter and buttermilk behaving properly for the best texture.
• Measure flour by spooning it into your cup, then leveling it off instead of scooping directly—this stops the batter from getting too dense.
• Mix the batter only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making your donuts tough instead of tender.
• Fresh baking powder makes a difference, so grab a new container or check the date to make sure your donuts rise perfectly.
• Spray your pans thoroughly and fill each mold about 3/4 full to get the ideal shape and rise.
• Keep a close eye as they bake; mini holes usually take around 9–10 minutes, full donuts closer to 9–12 minutes. A toothpick test will confirm doneness.
• For the cinnamon sugar, dipping donuts while warm into melted butter helps the coating stick nicely—see the cinnamon-sugar technique in Apple Snickerdoodles for a quick refresher. If you want less mess, you can brush the butter on instead.
• If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no problem! Just add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk and let sit 5–10 minutes. Buttermilk adds the perfect tender crumb, so don’t skip it entirely.
• Store your fresh-baked donuts in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days, and reheat gently in a 300°F oven or microwave a donut hole for about 8-10 seconds to bring back that just-baked feeling.
• Don’t want to eat them all right away? These baked apple cider donuts freeze beautifully! Cool completely, wrap or layer with parchment paper in a sealed container, freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw and warm before serving.

Swaps, Mix-Ins, and Sizes

The buttermilk really makes these baked apple cider donuts stand out, creating that melt-in-your-mouth softness. But if you don’t have any, the homemade buttermilk swap (milk plus lemon juice or vinegar) works like a charm.

Can’t find apple cider? No worries! Apple juice is a great year-round alternative that still gives you that sweet apple punch. For serving, a spoonful of chai spiced apple butter makes these donuts extra cozy.

Wondering about size? You’re flexible here! Use a mini muffin pan for donut holes or a donut pan for regular donuts. The only difference is baking time — 9-10 minutes for donut holes, 9-12 for full-size donuts — and you can finish with a simple caramel icing if you prefer a glazed donut.

Storage and Freshness Tips

These baked apple cider donuts taste best fresh, but if you want to save some for later, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. Trust me though, they’re so tasty you might not be able to wait that long—or, if you need a make-ahead fall dessert that stays moist for days, try our Apple Spice Cake.

Have you tried this baked apple cider donuts recipe? Please give it a rating in the recipe card, and I’d love to hear how they turned out in the comments below!

Common Questions Answered

Do baked apple cider donuts taste as good as fried ones? Yes and no! They don’t taste exactly the same, but they’re still incredibly delicious and have that lovely sweetness with just enough spice—you won’t miss the frying at all. These baked beauties will disappear just as fast! If you love that cozy apple-cinnamon flavor, you might also enjoy our Easy Apple Crisp Recipe.