Is there anything that screams ‘Happy Thanksgiving!’ more than the smell of warm, spice-filled Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar wafting through the house? I don’t think so. This recipe is my go-to for the holidays because it turns something so wonderfully festive into something incredibly doable for any home cook. No fancy equipment, no fuss—just pure, cozy deliciousness that’ll have everyone hovering around the kitchen. Let’s get to it.
Top Reasons To Make It
So much more than just a dessert, these donuts are the ultimate Thanksgiving treat. They fill your home with the most incredible autumnal aroma. They’re a fantastic, hands-on activity if you have little helpers in the kitchen. And honestly, they’re such a fun, unexpected addition to a table full of pies. They’re a total crowd-pleaser that works just as well for a holiday breakfast as it does for a post-dinner sweet bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider: reduced down to ½ cup for a concentrated flavor punch.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: the sturdy base of our donut.
- 2 tsp baking powder: gives them a little lift so they’re not too dense.
- 1 tsp baking soda: works with the powder for the perfect rise.
- 1 tbsp cinnamon: because it’s not a fall spice without it.
- ½ tsp nutmeg: adds a warm, nutty depth to the spice profile.
- ½ tsp salt: to balance all the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: binds everything together.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: for the right amount of sweetness.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: adds a lovely molasses note.
- ½ cup whole milk: creates a tender, moist crumb.
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt: my secret for an incredibly tender donut.
- 4 tbsp melted butter: for that rich, buttery flavor we all love.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: the flavor enhancer.
- 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon: for that iconic, sugary coating.
- ½ cup melted butter: for dipping the warm donuts before the sugar.
Instructions
- First, let’s intensify that apple flavor. Pour the 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces down to about ½ cup. This should take 15-20 minutes. Let it cool completely. Trust me, this step is non-negotiable for the best flavor!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease your donut pans. This batter likes to stick, so don’t be shy with the butter or baking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this aside.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they’re well combined and a little pale. Whisk in the reduced (and cooled!) apple cider, milk, Greek yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until the flour just disappears. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine and will keep your donuts tender.
- Spoon the batter into a large piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. This is the easiest way to get it neatly into the donut pan cavities. Fill each cavity about ¾ of the way full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when you touch them. Let them cool in the pan for just 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- While they’re still warm, dip each donut first in the melted butter, letting any excess drip off, and then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until perfectly coated. So good.
Apple Cider Donut Variations & Substitutions
No donut pan? No problem! You can bake this batter in a standard muffin tin for delicious Apple Cider Donut Muffins. Just increase the baking time to 18-20 minutes. For a dairy-free version, swap the milk for oat milk and the butter for a neutral oil like avocado or canola. The Greek yogurt can be replaced with an equal amount of applesauce. And if you’re feeling extra, a glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider instead of the cinnamon sugar is a divine change-up.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These are an absolute dream served warm alongside a strong cup of coffee or hot spiced apple cider. While they’re stellar on their own, they’re also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a next-level Thanksgiving dessert. For your holiday spread, I love placing a big platter of these donuts right next to the more traditional Thanksgiving desserts. They’re a wonderful, handheld option for guests to nibble on.
Storage & Reheating
These donuts are truly best the day they’re made, but I know that’s not always realistic. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To bring back that just-made magic, pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It makes all the difference. You can also freeze the un-coated, baked donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm them up and roll in the cinnamon sugar.
Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
If you’re looking for more easy Thanksgiving dessert recipes to round out your table, you can’t go wrong with a classic pecan pie bar or a simple pumpkin dump cake. They offer that same comfort-food vibe with minimal effort. For fun Thanksgiving desserts that the kids will love, consider a turkey-shaped charcuterie board with fruit and sweets instead of meats and cheeses. The key to stress-free Thanksgiving food recipes is to mix one or two show-stoppers with a few simple, reliable dishes like these donuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the batter ahead of time? You can! Prepare the batter, cover the bowl tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before piping into the pans.
- My reduced apple cider is still hot, can I use it? I wouldn’t. A hot liquid will start to cook the eggs in your batter. Let it cool to room temp first; you can speed this up by placing the saucepan in an ice bath.
- What’s the best way to get the cinnamon sugar to stick? Dipping the warm donuts in melted butter first is the secret. It creates a sticky surface that the sugar just clings to perfectly.
- Are these considered a dessert or a breakfast item? Why not both? They’re the perfect sweet treat for your Thanksgiving morning while you’re cooking, and they also shine as one of your Thanksgiving dessert ideas.