If you love fall as much as I do, you’re going to be head over heels for this Super Moist Apple Cider Donuts with Warm Spices Recipe. I absolutely adore how these donuts soak in all the cozy flavors of autumn, hugging your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re sipping coffee on a crisp morning or hosting a weekend brunch, these donuts are a total game-changer. Stick with me—I’ll share everything you need to nail this recipe perfectly!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super moist texture: Thanks to the apple cider and brown sugar, these donuts stay incredibly tender and moist.
Warm, comforting spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg team up to give these donuts an irresistible fall flavor profile.
Simple yet impressive: Don’t worry if you’re new to frying—this recipe breaks it down so you’ll feel confident every step.
Perfect for sharing: Make a batch, and your family or friends will be asking for these year-round.

Three cinnamon sugar donuts are stacked on a white plate with blue floral designs, showing a soft texture covered in fine sugar crystals; the top donut has a bite taken, revealing a light, fluffy inside with a slightly darker core. Behind the plate is a blurred white plate with more cinnamon sugar donuts and a clear glass filled with bright orange juice, all set on a white marbled surface. A pink cloth is placed softly on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Super Moist Apple Cider Donuts with Warm Spices, apple cider donuts recipe, fall donuts with warm spices, easy apple cider donut recipe, cozy autumn dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Super Moist Apple Cider Donuts with Warm Spices Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness and spice. I always recommend using fresh, room temperature eggs and good-quality apple cider to get the best flavor.

Flat lay of a small pile of golden light brown sugar crystals, a small heap of fine white granulated sugar, a small mound of warm reddish-brown ground cinnamon powder, a single small white ceramic bowl filled with amber-colored apple cider, two large brown eggs with smooth shells, a small white ceramic bowl with melted pale yellow unsalted butter, a neat pile of off-white all-purpose flour, a tiny white ceramic bowl containing fine white baking powder, a few whole green cardamom pods, a small white ceramic bowl with ground warm brown nutmeg powder, a block of pale yellow butter, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear golden peanut oil, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Super Moist Apple Cider Donuts with Warm Spices, apple cider donuts recipe, fall donuts with warm spices, easy apple cider donut recipe, cozy autumn dessert

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that classic donut crust.
Ground cinnamon: Brings out the warm, inviting spice that’s synonymous with apple cider donuts.
Apple cider: The star ingredient! Use real apple cider, not just juice, for depth and moisture.
Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and enhances the donut’s moistness.
Eggs: Make sure they’re at room temp for even mixing and better texture.
Unsalted butter: Melted so it mixes in smoothly and adds richness.
All-purpose flour: The base of your batter; sifting it will help keep the donuts light.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners ensure your donuts rise perfectly and stay fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and ties all flavors together.
Ground cardamom and nutmeg: These warm spices elevate the flavor complexity beautifully.
Peanut or vegetable oil: For frying; choose an oil with a high smoke point to keep the donuts crispy outside and tender inside.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Super Moist Apple Cider Donuts with Warm Spices Recipe quite a bit, and it’s so much fun to tweak it for different tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to make this your own—I’ll share some of my favorite twists.

Gluten-free version: I swapped regular flour for a gluten-free blend once, and the donuts still turned out moist and flavorful with just a slightly different texture.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice really deepens the warmth, especially when the weather gets chillier.
Apple chunks: I sometimes fold in tiny apple pieces for an extra burst of fruitiness; just be sure to pat them dry so the batter isn’t too wet.
Drizzle topping: Warm vanilla glaze or cinnamon sugar dusting can add a beautiful finish that your guests will rave about.

How to Make Super Moist Apple Cider Donuts with Warm Spices Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the apple cider for concentrated flavor

Start by simmering your apple cider gently in a saucepan until it reduces to about half its volume—this takes about 25-30 minutes. I discovered this trick when I first tried the recipe; it intensifies that signature apple taste without watering down the batter. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn. Let it cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

While your cider is cooling, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Sifting or whisking well is key here to evenly distribute the spices for that warm, balanced flavor.

Step 3: Combine sugars, eggs, butter, and cider

In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar and brown sugar with the eggs until smooth and pale. Add in the melted butter and your cooled apple cider reduction. I like to whisk this by hand to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the dough later.

Step 4: Form your dough and chill

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. The batter will be thick and sticky—that’s exactly what you want. I usually refrigerate the dough for about an hour; it firms up, making it easier to roll and cut. Trust me, this extra step saves a lot of frustration!

Step 5: Roll, cut, and fry

Lightly flour your work surface, then roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger and one smaller) to shape your donuts. Heat your oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the donuts in batches—about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. I always keep a close watch because they cook fast and you don’t want to lose that super moist interior!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Super Moist Apple Cider Donuts with Warm Spices Recipe

Oil temperature: Keep your oil steady at 375°F by using a thermometer—it’s the secret to perfectly golden donuts that aren’t greasy.
Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until ingredients combine to avoid tough donuts—you’ll thank me later.
Use a donut cutter or improvise: If you don’t have a donut cutter, two different sized biscuit cutters or a large and small glass can do the trick nicely.
Drain well: After frying, drain donuts on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep them crispy and not soggy.

How to Serve Super Moist Apple Cider Donuts with Warm Spices Recipe

A pile of about a dozen small round donuts with light brown color, coated evenly with granulated sugar and cinnamon, arranged casually on a white marbled surface; two small round donut holes are also visible among the donuts, and at the top right corner, a clear glass of orange-colored juice is partially shown. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Super Moist Apple Cider Donuts with Warm Spices, apple cider donuts recipe, fall donuts with warm spices, easy apple cider donut recipe, cozy autumn dessert

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a classic cinnamon sugar blend right after frying—while they’re still warm—because it sticks perfectly and adds an extra layer of sweetness. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of a simple maple glaze takes these donuts over the top for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pairing these donuts with a hot cup of chai tea or rich coffee is my go-to. For brunch or dessert, they’re lovely alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. On one memorable morning, I served them with spiced apple butter—everyone went nuts!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I arrange these donuts on a tiered stand, garnished with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices—it makes for such a festive and inviting display. I’ve also wrapped individual donuts in parchment with twine for charming party favors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I honestly doubt!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I like to place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture so the donuts stay beautifully soft without getting soggy.

Freezing

These donuts freeze surprisingly well. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for about an hour or overnight in the fridge. It’s a lifesaver when you want a quick treat without the whole frying session.

Reheating

I reheat mine briefly in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer warmth and slight crisp outside. You can also zap them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, but the oven method wins for texture every time.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Absolutely! While frying gives you that traditional crispy outside, you can bake the donuts at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Just brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for that authentic flavor and finish.
What if I don’t have apple cider?

If you can’t find apple cider, you can make a quick substitute by mixing apple juice with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, then reducing it on the stove as directed. However, fresh cider really does give the best flavor and moisture.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

The best way is to use a candy or deep-fry thermometer. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough in the oil—it should bubble up and rise to the surface quickly without browning right away. Too hot means fast browning but raw inside; too cool means greasy donuts.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! After mixing, cover and refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. This actually improves flavor development and makes rolling easier. Just bring it back to room temp for 10-15 minutes before rolling out.

Final Thoughts

This Super Moist Apple Cider Donuts with Warm Spices Recipe quickly became a family favorite in my kitchen, and I treasure the memories of making them together on chilly mornings. I love sharing these donuts because they feel like a warm hug in dessert form, and I truly believe once you try them, they’ll become one of your go-to fall treats. So grab your apron, stock up on cider, and dive in—you’re going to impress everyone with these delicious, unforgettable donuts!