Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

There’s something undeniably inviting about the aroma of freshly baked donuts wafting through the air, especially when they’re spiced with the delightful essence of crisp autumn apples. Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar are a warm embrace for your taste buds, seamlessly combining the nostalgic flavors of seasonal festivities and cozy afternoons. These little circles of joy are not only easy to whip up, but they also combine the richness of brown butter with the sweet-tart zing of apple cider, creating an indulgent treat that you won’t soon forget. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up, making these donuts is an experience worth savoring!

What Would You Pair with This Delicious Apple Cider Donut?

Imagine pairing these delectable donuts with a steaming mug of spiced apple cider or warm chai tea. How about a cozy gathering with friends, where the laughter mingles with the scent of cinnamon in the air?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Yet Elegant: This recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

• Seasonal Appeal: Loaded with the essence of fall, these donuts embody the cozy vibes of sweater weather and family gatherings.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a festive holiday celebration or a simple weekend brunch, these donuts are sure to impress everyone.

• Kid-Friendly: The preparation is straightforward, making it a fantastic opportunity to involve little helpers in the kitchen!

Ingredients

To create these tantalizing Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar, you’ll need:

• 1 cup apple cider (to be reduced to intensify flavor)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for browning, providing a nutty flavor)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (the base of your donuts)

• 1 teaspoon baking soda (to help them rise)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder (for extra fluffiness)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (to spice up the mix)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for warmth)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)

• 2 large eggs (for richness)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for that caramel-like sweetness)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for a touch of lightness)

• 1/2 cup whole milk (for moisture)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for depth of flavor)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the cinnamon sugar coating)

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (to roll them in after baking)

• 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• Pinch of flaky sea salt (for that touch of sophisticated flavor)

• 1 – 2 tablespoons heavy cream (to thin, if needed)

• Vanilla ice cream (an indulgent optional topping)

Each ingredient plays a crucial role, helping to craft this sweet, moist donut experience that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Timing

Preparing these Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts is a quick endeavor. The whole process can take about an hour, from reducing the apple cider to enjoying the first warm donut. You can savor the fast and indulgent flavor that comes from a quick bake, while also enjoying the slow and luxurious experience of letting the flavors meld together in that rich brown butter.

Step-by-Step

Reduce the Apple Cider

Start by pouring 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Watch as it bubbles and reduces down, intensifying the flavor into a rich syrup.

It should take about 15-20 minutes, and you’ll want it to reduce to about 1/3 cup—this step is crucial for that burst of autumn flavor!

Brown the Butter

In a separate pan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Keep a close eye on it as it melts and starts to foam.

Allow it to get nutty and golden brown—this will take about 5 minutes. The entrancing aroma will fill your kitchen, beckoning you to keep going!

Preheat & Prep

While you’re browning the butter, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan with cooking spray or butter.

This little step will ensure that your donuts don’t stick and come out perfectly.

Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.

Then, in a separate bowl, combine the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, brown butter, milk, vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider.

Mix until everything is well combined and pour this mixture into your dry ingredients.

Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be just combined for that light texture.

Bake the Donuts

Spoon the batter into your donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

The moment they come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter and roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for that iconic cinnamon sugar coating.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

As you roll each warm donut in the cinnamon sugar, let the sweet mixture cling to the moist surface.

The contrasting textures of the crispy outside and soft inside create a dreamy bite that no one can resist.

Nutritional Information

On average, each donut contains about 180 calories.

While they’re certainly an indulgent treat, remember that life is about balance!

These donuts offer a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the season, ensuring you savor every bite along the way.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten things up, consider swapping out the granulated sugar for a low-calorie sweetener or opting for whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour.

Dairy-free alternatives such as coconut milk can replace whole milk, and using coconut oil instead of butter brings a lovely twist to the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These irresistible Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts shine at fall parties, holiday gatherings, or cozy weekend brunches.

They pair beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce, or served alongside a warm cup of spiced cider.

Elevating your dessert experience is as simple as combining these flavors and textures.

Common Mistakes

Let’s address a few usual pitfalls:

• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the donuts as they bake. Overbaking will lead to a dry texture, which is not what we want!

• Mixing Too Much: Remember, just mix until combined to keep your donuts fluffy. Overmixing leads to a denser texture.

• Messy Coating: Brush the donuts with melted butter liberally, but be careful not to let them cool before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar—keep the warmth for better adherence!

Storing Tips

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, yet leftovers can easily be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days.

If you want to preserve them longer, consider freezing portions and reheating in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm.

This means you can have a delightful fall treat anytime the craving hits!

Tempted to Bake It ASAP?

With their enticing aroma and the incredible blend of flavors, Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar are too tempting to resist.

Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo, these little delights promise a cozy and heartwarming experience.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a batch of these beautiful autumn donuts, and let the flavors wrap around you like a warm, nostalgic hug.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of flour?

Yes, you can experiment with different flours like whole wheat or gluten-free options, though the texture may vary.

How can I make these dairy-free?

Substituting dairy with almond milk or coconut milk, and using coconut oil in place of butter will teach you how to make these donuts dairy-free!

What do I do if I don’t have a donut pan?

No worries! You can use a muffin pan instead; just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Stir in some chocolate chips for an indulgent twist on this classic recipe.

How long do these donuts stay fresh?

If stored properly, they can last up to 2 days at room temperature or 3 months in the freezer.

Enjoy baking these sweet treats and making memories along the way!

Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar

These Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar blend the flavors of crisp autumn apples and nutty brown butter, creating an indulgent treat perfect for brunch or desserts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 12 donuts

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Donuts

• 1 cup apple cider To be reduced to intensify flavor
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter For browning, providing a nutty flavor
• 2 cups all-purpose flour The base of your donuts
• 1 teaspoon baking soda To help them rise
• 1 teaspoon baking powder For extra fluffiness
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon To spice up the mix
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg For warmth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt To balance the sweetness
• 2 large eggs For richness
• 1/2 cup brown sugar For caramel-like sweetness
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar For a touch of lightness
• 1/2 cup whole milk For moisture
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For depth of flavor

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar For coating
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon To roll them in after baking
• 1/4 cup melted butter For brushing

Optional Toppings

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce Store-bought or homemade
• pinch flaky sea salt For that touch of sophisticated flavor
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream To thin, if needed
• vanilla ice cream An indulgent optional topping

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by pouring 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce the cider until it reaches about 1/3 cup, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Brown the Butter

1. In a separate pan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat until it becomes golden brown, around 5 minutes.

Make the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, brown butter, milk, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider, then mix well.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Bake the Donuts

1. Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
3. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for about 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Opt for whole wheat flour or a low-calorie sweetener for a healthier alternative.