Cider doughnuts are a beloved fall treat known for their crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. This crunchy cider doughnuts recipe is perfect for kids’ parties, offering a fun, easy-to-eat snack with just the right balance of spice and sweetness that little ones adore. Made with real apple cider and coated in cinnamon sugar, these doughnuts bring a festive touch and a delightful crunch that will be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup apple cider, reduced (see instructions)
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups)
- For coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Reduce the cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces by half, about 10-15 minutes. This concentrates the flavor and removes excess liquid. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). Set aside.
- Mix sugars and wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined. Stir in the cooled reduced cider, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine the batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the doughnuts tender.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helps develop flavor.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 365°F (185°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Shape the doughnuts: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (about 3 inches for outer, 1 inch for inner hole) to cut doughnuts and holes.
- Fry the doughnuts: Fry a few doughnuts at a time in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each side for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer doughnuts to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: While still warm, toss the doughnuts in a bowl with granulated sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. The warmth helps the sugar stick and creates a crunchy crust.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the doughnuts cool slightly, then serve fresh for the best texture and flavor. These are best eaten the same day.
Tips
- Apple cider reduction: Reducing the cider intensifies the apple flavor without adding extra liquid to the dough. If pressed for time, use 1/2 cup apple cider without reduction, but expect a slightly less concentrated taste.
- Oil temperature matters: Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 365°F. Too hot will brown the doughnuts too fast without cooking inside; too cool will make them greasy and soggy.
- Chilling the dough: Don’t skip chilling; it makes cutting easier and improves texture. If the dough is sticky, dust your rolling surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Storage caution: Doughnuts lose their crunch quickly. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Avoid refrigeration as it makes them stale faster.
Serving Suggestions
Crunchy cider doughnuts are perfect on their own but can be paired with a variety of kid-friendly accompaniments. Serve them alongside warm apple cider or a mild hot chocolate for a cozy party vibe. For a fun dip, offer a small bowl of vanilla glaze or caramel sauce. You can also plate them with fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra festivity. These doughnuts make a delightful finger food for little hands, ideal for birthday parties, fall festivals, or classroom treats.
Variations
To keep things exciting, try these variations on the classic crunchy cider doughnuts:
- Pumpkin Spice Cider Doughnuts: Add 1/2 cup pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and increase the spices to include ginger and allspice for a seasonal twist.
- Glazed Version: Instead of cinnamon sugar, dip warm doughnuts in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, a few tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract for a shiny, sweet coating.
- Baked Option: For a less greasy alternative, bake the doughnuts at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and firm, then toss in cinnamon sugar.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled doughnuts for an extra treat kids love.
Storage and Reheating
Crunchy cider doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored to extend enjoyment. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Beyond that, they begin to lose their crispness and become stale. Avoid refrigeration, as it causes the doughnuts to harden and lose flavor.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place doughnuts on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore some crunchiness. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds) softens the doughnuts but will reduce crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought apple cider or fresh pressed cider?
Both work well, but fresh pressed cider typically has a richer, more natural flavor. Store-bought cider is fine as long as it’s 100% apple cider without added sugars or preservatives for the best taste.
What if I don’t have a doughnut cutter?
You can use two round cookie cutters or even improvise with a large glass for the outer circle and a small bottle cap for the hole. Alternatively, shape the dough into small balls or rings by hand for a rustic look.
Why do my doughnuts come out greasy?
Greasy doughnuts usually mean the oil temperature was too low. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 365°F (185°C). Fry in small batches to avoid temperature drops and drain well on paper towels.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Bring it back to room temperature and lightly flour before rolling and cutting. This can help with party prep but don’t leave the dough too long as the leavening might lose some effectiveness.
Are these doughnuts healthy for kids?
While these doughnuts are a treat and contain sugar and fried oil, using real apple cider and spices adds natural flavors. Moderation is key, and pairing them with fruit or a balanced meal helps keep kids’ diets varied.
Can I freeze cider doughnuts?
You can freeze cooled doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven to regain some crunch. However, freezing may slightly affect texture.
With this recipe and tips, your kids’ party will be filled with the warm aromas and delightful crunch of homemade cider doughnuts everyone will love. Enjoy the fun of making and sharing this classic treat!
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