Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

There’s something magical about doughnuts, right? They’ve got this perfect balance of comfort and indulgence, and these Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze take that joy to a whole new level. Imagine biting into a warm, soft doughnut that’s bursting with the cozy flavors of autumn—apple cider, a hint of spice, and that dreamy cinnamon maple glaze that makes everything better. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning, sharing them with friends at a cozy gathering, or treating yourself to something sweet (because you totally deserve it), these doughnuts are a total game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. When the aroma of cinnamon, apples, and maple fills the air, it’s like your kitchen has turned into a bakery. Here’s why this recipe is destined to become one of your new favorites:

Versatile: These doughnuts aren’t just for fall (though, let’s be honest, they’re perfect for that crisp autumn morning!). Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a treat to bring to a gathering, they’re bound to wow anyone who takes a bite.

Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients—these doughnuts use what you probably already have in your pantry. It’s a great way to make something that tastes indulgent without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: No deep frying here! These doughnuts are baked, so they’re way easier to make, and you can get them ready in under an hour. If you’ve ever been intimidated by making doughnuts, this recipe will give you the confidence to dive right in.

Customizable: Not into maple glaze? No problem! You can swap it out for a simple powdered sugar glaze, or even a chocolate drizzle if that’s more your style. You can make these doughnuts uniquely yours.

Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love doughnuts? These beauties are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone—whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or just keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here).

Ingredients in Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Here’s what you’ll need to create these deliciously spiced doughnuts that will leave everyone asking for the recipe:

Apple Cider: The star of the show. It adds that wonderful depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness that’s the perfect complement to the spices.

Flour: You’ll need all-purpose flour to create that soft, tender doughnut texture we all crave.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents give your doughnuts that light, fluffy interior.

Ground Cinnamon: Because what’s an apple cider doughnut without a little cinnamon kick?

Ground Nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg adds a warm, cozy vibe that’s perfect for fall.

Eggs: Help bind everything together and give your doughnuts that perfect crumb.

Butter: Melted butter gives the doughnuts a rich flavor and ensures they’re perfectly moist.

Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses sweetness that balances the tartness of the apple cider.

Vanilla Extract: For that lovely background flavor that ties everything together.

Milk: Helps smooth out the batter to the right consistency.

Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup in the glaze brings the whole recipe full circle, giving it that extra touch of sweetness and a gorgeous shine.

Powdered Sugar: The base of your glaze, for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have warm, perfectly spiced apple cider doughnuts ready in no time.

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give your doughnuts the perfect bake and golden color.

Prepare Your Doughnut Pan

Grease a doughnut pan with a little butter or non-stick spray. This is an important step to make sure your doughnuts slide out easily once they’re baked.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is the dry mix that will give your doughnuts that warm, comforting flavor.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together apple cider, eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. These ingredients come together to form the flavorful base of your doughnuts.

Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the doughnuts light and fluffy.

Fill the Doughnut Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each well about ¾ full. You want them to rise perfectly without overflowing.

Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Your doughnuts should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.

Make the Cinnamon Maple Glaze

While your doughnuts are cooling, whisk together maple syrup, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and glossy.

Glaze the Doughnuts

Once the doughnuts are cool enough to handle, dip the tops into the cinnamon maple glaze. Give them a little swirl to make sure they’re evenly coated. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve these warm or at room temperature, and watch them disappear before your eyes!

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

These doughnuts are perfect for so many occasions! Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair them with a warm drink—coffee, hot chocolate, or even a chai latte—and you’ll have the ultimate cozy treat.

Fresh Fruit: A bowl of sliced apples or pears would complement the flavors of the doughnuts beautifully.

Whipped Cream: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, top your doughnuts with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent dessert.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can make the doughnut batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.

Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the doughnuts and reheat them in the oven.

Double the Batch: These doughnuts are so good, you might want to make a double batch. They freeze beautifully, so you’ll always have a sweet treat ready to go.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the apple cider with apple juice?
A1: While apple cider is the best option for that rich, authentic flavor, apple juice can work in a pinch, though the taste might be a little lighter.

Q2: Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make them the night before and glaze them just before serving. They’ll still taste amazing.

Q3: Can I freeze these doughnuts?
A3: Yes! Freeze them after they’ve cooled completely, and reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q4: What’s the best way to reheat these doughnuts?
A4: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Q5: Can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?
A5: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious, gluten-free version.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the perfect, fall-inspired treat that’ll have you craving more with every bite. These Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are simple to make, budget-friendly, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them with loved ones or savoring them all on your own, this recipe is a guaranteed win. Trust me, once you’ve made these, they’ll become a staple in your baking rotation. Go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it! Happy baking!

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