As summer turns to fall and the crisp air begins to settle in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of apple cider to warm your heart and home. Today, I want to share a delightful recipe for Apple Cider Glazed Donuts that brings a touch of that autumn magic to your kitchen. This recipe is a personal favorite, especially because it reminds me of the time my family and I visited an apple orchard during a weekend getaway. We picked fresh apples, enjoyed a hayride, and indulged in warm apple cider donuts right out of the fryer. It was such a cozy and joyful experience that I wanted to recreate that feeling at home.
These Apple Cider Glazed Donuts are incredibly easy to make, using a can of refrigerated biscuit dough as the base. This shortcut saves time and effort, allowing you to whip up a batch in just under half an hour. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider infuses the donuts with a fragrant, sweet-spicy flavor that is perfect for any autumn day.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While the classic cinnamon-sugar coating and apple cider glaze are delicious as is, you can get creative with different variations. For instance, adding a touch of ground cloves or allspice to the sugar mixture can give the donuts an extra layer of warmth and depth. Or, for a twist, you could dip the donuts in melted white chocolate before drizzling with the apple cider glaze. No matter how you choose to customize them, these donuts are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of homemade Apple Cider Glazed Donuts. Happy baking!
Making Apple Cider Glazed Donuts
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons warm apple cider
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 16.3 ounce can refrigerated biscuit dough (avoid flaky or butter varieties)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- canola oil for frying
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Directions
- In a dutch oven or cast iron skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl using a fork.
- In another small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and warm apple cider until smooth.
- Separate the biscuit dough into 8 pieces. Use a small cutter to make holes in the center of each biscuit, reserving the centers for donut holes.
- Fry the dough pieces in batches of 2-3, cooking each side until golden brown. Place the fried donuts on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While the donuts are still warm, coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and place them on a cooling rack. Repeat until all the dough is fried and coated.
- Drizzle the warm apple cider glaze evenly over the donuts and serve immediately.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of dough instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?
Yes, you can use homemade dough or other store-bought dough varieties. However, avoid flaky or butter-flavored doughs, as they may alter the texture and flavor of the donuts.
What is the best oil to use for frying these donuts?
Canola oil is recommended due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can also use vegetable oil or sunflower oil. Avoid oils with strong flavors like olive oil.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
To ensure the oil is at the right temperature, use a kitchen thermometer to check that it has reached 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.
Can I make these donuts without frying them?
Yes, you can bake the donuts instead. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. The texture will be different but still delicious.
How should I store leftover donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat frozen donuts in the oven before serving.
What can I do with the donut holes?
You can fry the donut holes in the same way as the donuts. They will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once fried, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and drizzle with the glaze.
Apple Cider Glazed Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 16.3 oz can refrigerated biscuit dough avoid flaky or butter flavored
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- canola oil for frying
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp warm apple cider
Instructions
- Heat canola oil in a dutch oven or cast iron skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg using a fork.
- In another small bowl, whisk together the apple cider and powdered sugar until smooth and well blended.
- Separate the biscuit dough into the 8 precut biscuits. Using a small cutter, like a bottle lid, cut out the center to create holes, and save these for making donut holes.
- Fry the dough in batches of 2-3 pieces, cooking each side until golden brown. Place the cooked donuts on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- While still warm, transfer the donuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Place the coated donuts on a cooling rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough until all donuts are cooked, coated, and cooled.
- Evenly drizzle the warm apple cider glaze over the donuts and serve immediately.
