These cinnamon sugar coated and baked apple cider donuts will become a fall favorite sweet treat in your house! Quick and ready in under an hour, these fall-inspired donuts are also perfect to serve with homemade apple cider.
There's nothing that says fall quite like the warm aroma of apples, cinnamon, and sugar wafting through the kitchen. These baked apple cider donuts are soft, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon sugar-no frying required! They're the ultimate cozy autumn treat, perfect for serving with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a mug of warm apple cider.
If you've been searching for an easy baked apple cider donuts recipe, this one will become a seasonal favorite. The best part? They're ready in under an hour.
My sister actually turned me on to this amazing fall treat after she had a few donuts at a local farm. Of course, being the foodie that I am, I had to immediately find out how to make apple cider donuts of my own. Cider, cinnamon, fresh baked goods…what could be more fall-y?!? I got right to work crafting the perfect make-at-home apple cider donut recipe that could rival any farm stand treat.
Why You'll Love These Baked Apple Cider Donuts
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Made with real apple cider for that authentic fall flavor.
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Oven-baked, not fried-so much easier and less messy.
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Perfect fall dessert or snack with a cinnamon sugar coating.
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Quick to make and freezer-friendly for busy days.
Looking for more autumn baking? Try my Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting or these cozy Pumpkin S'mores Cheesecake Bars.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make these oven baked apple cider donuts, you'll need:
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Apple cider (reduced for stronger flavor)
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder & baking soda
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Brown sugar & granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Butter & milk
Pro Tip: Use fresh, good-quality apple cider (not apple juice) for the best flavor.
How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Step by Step)
1. Reduce the cider
Simmer apple cider until reduced for a concentrated, rich apple flavor.
To make the donuts, you start by boiling apple cider to help it reduce. This means the flavor will be more concentrated without the excess water in the cider. The sugar and butter in the recipe are creamed together and then the eggs, buttermilk and cooled cider are added to the bowl.
2. Make the batter
Whisk together the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients until combined.
The dry ingredients are mixed in to the wet ingredients and then the batter is done! Simple, right? It is the same mixing method as most muffin or quick bread recipes so you are likely already familiar with these steps.
3. Fill the donut pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into a greased donut pan.
The batter is scooped into a greased donut pan, filling each ring about half way. If you don't have a donut pan, you can definitely use this same recipe to make "donut muffins". Fill a mini muffin tin with the batter instead and then continue on with the recipe as written. However, to get the full apple cider donut experience, you may want to invest in a donut baking pan. You'll use it a lot, I promise!
4. Bake the donuts
Bake until golden and springy to the touch.
5. Add the coating
While warm, brush donuts with melted butter and dip into cinnamon sugar.
After the donuts have baked, they are dunked in melted butter and dipped in a cinnamon sugar mix. Coat the donuts completely in the fall flavored cinnamon sugar to get maximum deliciousness! Best served warm with a mug of hot apple cider or coffee-your kitchen will smell amazing!
My Tips for Making the Best Baked Apple Cider Donuts
As someone who loves cozy fall baking, I've made this recipe many times and learned a few tricks that make all the difference:
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Reduce your cider properly. Don't skip this step-it concentrates the apple flavor so your donuts don't taste bland. I usually simmer mine until it's reduced by half.
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Use a piping bag (or a zip-top bag). Filling the donut pan is much easier (and neater) if you pipe the batter instead of spooning it in.
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Coat while warm. The cinnamon sugar sticks best when the donuts are still warm from the oven. I brush them with a little melted butter first, then dip.
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Spice it up. The cinnamon sugar mix can be made even more delicious by using apple pie spice in place of the plain cinnamon. You can find apple pie spice in most grocery stores and it will give your donuts even more seasonal flavor. You may even want to try pumpkin pie spice for a fun mix of apple cider and pumpkin flavors-could these donuts be any more fall-perfect?
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Don't overbake. Keep an eye on them-the donuts should be just set and springy. Overbaking will make them dry.
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Go over the top. If I'm going to splurge on a donut, I want it to be totally over the top. That's why I sometimes drizzle my donuts with a bit of glaze after dipping them in the cinnamon sugar. Of course, you can opt to just use the glaze instead of the sugar coating too. Both ways work, both are incredibly tasty, and honestly-you should probably make them both ways just to see which one you like more!
Variations and Substitutions
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Gluten-free option: Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
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Sugar-free option: Use a sugar substitute and skip the coating.
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Glazed version: Try an apple cider glaze instead of cinnamon sugar.
FAQs About Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Can I freeze baked apple cider donuts?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes-you can bake them in a muffin pan for "donut muffins."
What's the difference between baked and fried donuts?
Fried donuts are richer and crispier, while baked are lighter, fluffier, and easier to make at home.
How to Store and Serve
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in single layers to prevent sticking.
More Fall Recipes You'll Love
- Pear Tart Recipe with Cranberries and Thyme Custard
- Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls {with Pumpkin-Spiced Filling & Cream Cheese Frosting}
- The BEST Caramel Apple Spice Cake
- The Ultimate Fall Charcuterie Board
Final Thoughts
These baked apple cider donuts are everything you love about fall wrapped into one cozy bite. Easy to make, full of warm spices, and perfect for sharing with family and friends-once you try them, you'll want to bake them every autumn.
I hope you like this recipe for apple cider donuts - be sure to give it a review below!
Also don't forget to follow Hip Mama's Place on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!
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If you're ready to make these cozy baked apple cider donuts, here are some of my favorite kitchen tools and ingredients that make the process easier:
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Donut Pan Set - A non-stick donut pan is essential for that perfect baked donut shape.
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Apple Cider - Fresh apple cider gives the best flavor. If you can't find local cider, this organic apple cider is a great option.
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Cinnamon & Nutmeg - The warm spices are what make these donuts so irresistible. Try this spice set
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Pastry Bag (or Zip Bags) - For neatly piping the batter into the donut pan. See my favorite reusable piping bags
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Cooling Rack - Helps the donuts cool evenly without getting soggy.
(These are affiliate links. When you purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you-thank you for supporting Hip Mama's Place!)
This post was updated on October 05, 2025.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 donuts 1x
Description
Soft, fluffy baked apple cider donuts coated in cinnamon sugar—no frying needed! An easy fall recipe ready in under an hour. Perfect with cider or coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 3 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ** see notes
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
*For the Coating:
- Cinnamon Sugar: 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon plus ½ cup unsalted butter, melted for dipping
- Glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 tablespoon apple cider
Instructions
1. Add apple cider to small saucepan
2. Bring to boil over medium high heat and cook until reduced to ¼ cup, about 10 minutes
3. Cool completely
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
5. Coat donut pans with non-stick cooking spray
6. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until combined
7. Add eggs and mix until well combined
8. Add buttermilk and reduced apple cider and mix until well combined
9. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices
10. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir just until combined
11. Fill donut pan about ½ full ** see notes
12. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned
13. Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes
14. Remove from pan
15. Combine cinnamon sugar coating or glaze in a medium bowl ** see notes for glaze
16. Melt butter in microwave safe bowl and cool slightly
17. Dip donuts in cooled butter and immediately coat both sides with cinnamon sugar mixture and set on a wire rack
18. Serve warm or room temperature
19. Store leftovers in airtight container
Notes
1. You can substitute 1 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice in place of cinnamon and nutmeg
2. Donut pan - to make filling the donut pan easier, use a plastic decorator bag or resealable bag
3. If you want to glaze the donuts, make this Glaze recipe: Add powdered sugar to medium bowl, add milk and juice and whisk until smooth
Add additional liquid if the glaze is too thick. Dip donuts top side down into glaze and place on a wire rack to drip off excess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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Barbara says
Just made these. Easy recipe and very tasty!
Loren Dietrich says
I've never tried these but they sure look good! Very fall.
Matt Taylor says
I love homemade donuts. These apple cider donuts are awesome, moist and delicious.
Kita Bryant says
I am craving some of these. i love donuts with cider.
Nicole says
I love apple cider donuts at the pumpkin patch. I can't wait to try your recipe!
Puja Kumari says
Oh wow, this dish looks awesome. I'll give this recipe a try for sure.
Lori Bosworth says
Those apple cider donuts look super delicious! I love apple cider so I'm going to try these!
katrina Kroeplin says
i just made some apple cider donuts too. they are so good and easy to make except we fried them.
Emman Damian says
Wow! This is the first time I heard about Baked Apple Cider Donuts. It looks so tasty! Yum! Can't wait to make it!
melissa says
so yummy!! I love anything apple.
Monidipa says
I have never made anything like this, but it looks really tasty. I would for sure try it!
Katie says
I've only tried to make doughnuts once before and I about burned down my kitchen with the fryer. I will have to give baking a try!
Cyndi Buchanan says
These look amazing! I'm going to have to try this recipe.
blair villanueva says
With apple cider, this is the healthiest donut I've seen! Your donut recipe deserves more than 5-stars 🙂
Clarice says
Wow! This looks good and delicious. I would love to try these apple cider donuts. Thank you for sharing the recipe. Can't wait to try it.
Cristina Petrini says
The perfect autumn snack, here they are all the tastes I'm crazy about! What a great idea you gave!
Kevin Brotac says
Not only it looks delicious but they are so good! I made them following this recipe and god, no regrets! Thank you for sharing this easy and tasty recipe!
Bill says
Aww yeah. I would eat my weight in those. They sound really awesome.
Claudia says
Those look amazing. I love apple cider everything when this time of year rolls around. I am definitely going to make these!
Samanth says
These look so delicious. May need to try them with my new donut pan.
vidya says
i am definitely making this soon.. so so delish!
Rita M says
If you wouldn’t mind sharing the link for the donut pans you used I would really appreciate it. I went on Amazon & got bombarded with choices - it was overwhelming and I ended up with nothing.
Beth says
We look forward to apple cider doughnuts every year. I am so excited to see a recipe so I can make them at home!
Kileen says
These donuts look and sound so amazing! I would love to make these and dip them in my cocoa!
Kileen
cute & little
monica y says
Apple cider it is one of my favorite drinks of the season, so I imagine that these donuts are fantastic
Alyssa says
Omg. I immediately went on amazon for a donut pan. I need these in my life!!
Maria N Azanha says
I love that they are baked and not fried. Such a yummy alternative to surprise your guests! Great recipe!Thanks
Emily Fata says
Oh, yummy! This looks like such an amazing recipe to try out! I’ll have to give it a whirl this weekend.
Yudith says
I didn't know that apple cedar can use for making donuts. I will try your recipe for sure!
Catalina says
Baked donuts! Love this idea! And this fall flavor must be amazing!
Shilpa Bindlish says
Amazing recipe. Great use of Apple cider in donuts. I frankly didn't have slightest of idea that apple cider can be utilised this way.
Lily says
Wow Apple Cider Donuts! Wow this is amazing I gotta try this!
Marie Phillips says
These look amazing. I have a great gluten free version that tastes just like regular flour. I can't wait to try this recipe though!
Emily Davis says
Oh my gosh yum!! Funny story in the Western part of New York they don't sell Apple Cider donuts my favorite..! Now I can make them
Krystal Miller says
I love apple cider donuts. They're the ultimate fall food for me!
Ryan Escat says
This sounds like a great and addictive flavor. Your donuts looks perfect. Love it.
Jennifer Van Haitsma says
Apple cider donuts are so delicious! I've never made a homemade donut, but it would be lots of fun and the kids would get a kick out of it!
Rose Ann Sales says
Apple cider is such a great flavor. Can't wait to try.
Nikki Wayne says
Such a great recipe.. I can't wait to bake and eat some donuts
Fatima D Torres says
These apple cider donuts are perfect for the kids and me to recreate. I'll add it to my list for the holiday activities.
Sherry says
Apple cider donuts for the win! I love cider and I love donuts so these donuts are perfect.
Bri says
It's like my 2 favorite things had a baby. Love!
Aubrey Hedgecock says
I've never made my own donuts before. These look really good and not that hard.
Kita Bryant says
Holy goodness, these sound like SUCH a delicious donut flavor! I love apple cider as it is, but put it in donut form and I'm SO there!
Brandy Ellen says
I love the idea of making these baked apple cider donuts. We wanted to try to make apple cider with our apples but haven't' yet. hopefully, when we do we can make your donut recipe!
Heather says
I can't wait to make these. Apple cider donuts are my favorite!
Heather says
One of my favorite fall treats! These donuts are so good especially with a cup of coffee.
Pam Wattenbarger says
Those look amazing! Apple Cider is one of my favorite fall drinks. Now add that with doughnuts! Yum!
Brianne says
These look amazing. I love the flavors, and you can't ever go wrong with donuts. I have to make some. I think they're going to be great!
Colleen says
I have to make these this weekend. My son and husband are going to love them. IF I share....
Ben says
There cannot be a better fall treat than these. I love cider AND I love donuts, so I'm making these.
Christy Blair says
Donuts have always been hands off for me to bake but this seems doable and looks soooo yummy!!
Amber Myers says
What a perfect fall dessert. I know we'd love these. I'll have to try them out for sure. Yum!
Sarah Bailey says
Oh my goodness yes please! These sound like they would be incredible! I just want to try one right now, yum!
Tammy says
I want to make baked donuts so badly!! This recipe looks so good. Thanks for sharing.