Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe

Oh, I can’t wait to share this Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe with you! If you love those cozy fall flavors, these doughnuts hit all the right notes with the warm spices and that tangy-sweet apple cider base. I first tried something similar at a local fair, and I immediately wanted to recreate them at home but healthier—and baking them instead of frying was a game changer!

This recipe works wonderfully when you’re craving a treat that’s not too heavy yet bursting with flavor. You’ll find that baking the doughnuts makes them light and tender, while the cinnamon maple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness with a hint of coffee that perfectly complements the spices. Trust me, these doughnuts are worth an autumnal weekend morning in the kitchen, especially when friends or family come over for coffee.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together for a doughnut that’s soft, moist, and packed with spice and apple goodness. Here’s a quick tip: use freshly boiled-down apple cider for a concentrated, sweet flavor, and don’t skip the honeycrisp apple for its perfect crunch and sweetness.

• Apple Cider: Reducing this intensifies the flavor and sweetness—don’t rush this step.
• Salted Butter: I always find salted butter adds that little savory balance to sweet doughnuts.
• Vanilla Extract: It helps round out the apple and spice flavors beautifully.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix creamier and give better texture.
• Apple Butter: Adds moistness and a boost of deeper apple flavor.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Provides rich caramel notes and moisture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the doughnuts—make sure to measure properly.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: The duo that ensures tender rise and lightness.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger: Classic warm spices that bring those cozy vibes.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness.
• Honeycrisp Apple: Chopped, for little bursts of fresh apple flavor in every bite.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Toss the apples in this for extra cinnamon goodness and subtle crunch.
• Maple Syrup: For the glaze—use pure maple syrup for best flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze perfectly.
• Instant Coffee: Just a touch, to deepen the glaze’s flavor—optional but highly recommended.

Variations

I love tweaking this Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe depending on what’s in season or my mood. Feel free to make it your own—there are so many ways to experiment and make these doughnuts suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend I’ve tested that works well and keeps the texture soft.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free butter for the glaze; the flavor is just as good!
• Spiced-Up Variation: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom to the spice mix for an extra cozy twist—I did this for a holiday brunch and my family went crazy for it.
• Extra Crunchy: Top the glazed doughnuts with toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Reduce Your Apple Cider to Maximize Flavor

First things first, grab your apple cider and bring it to a boil over high heat. I like to do this in a heavy-bottom pot to prevent scorching. Once boiling, turn down the heat and let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes until it’s reduced to roughly half a cup. This step is key—it concentrates the apple flavor and naturally sweetens the doughnuts. Let it cool while you gather the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Your Wet Ingredients for a Silky Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the boiled-down cider, melted butter, eggs (make sure they’re room temperature here!), apple butter, vanilla extract, and dark brown sugar until everything is smooth and combined. I usually give the batter a good stir but avoid overmixing once flour is added to keep the doughnuts tender.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Fold in the Apples

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and kosher salt. Then, toss the chopped honeycrisp apple pieces in cinnamon sugar to coat them evenly—that little extra step really amps up the cinnamon flavor and prevents the apples from sinking to the bottom. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined, followed by stirring in the cinnamon sugar-coated apples.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 6-cup doughnut pan or a 12-cup muffin pan with melted butter. Spoon the batter evenly into the pan cavities, filling them about halfway to two-thirds full—you don’t want the doughnuts to overflow while baking. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean and the tops spring back when gently pressed. Let them cool for five minutes before carefully running a knife around the edges and flipping them out onto a rack.

Step 5: Whip Up the Brown Butter Cinnamon Maple Glaze

While the doughnuts are cooling, start on the glaze. Melt salted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and watch closely as it begins to brown—this takes about 2 to 3 minutes. The nutty aroma is irresistible! Remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup, powdered sugar (start with 3/4 cup and add more if you want it thicker), instant coffee, and cinnamon until smooth. This coffee addition is subtle but adds such a satisfying depth to the glaze.

Dip the tops of the cooled doughnuts into the glaze or drizzle it generously over them. I highly recommend tasting one warm straight from the glaze—it’s an absolute treat!

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top after glazing for an eye-catching shimmer and extra cinnamon pop. Sometimes, I throw on chopped toasted pecans—they add a lovely crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft doughnuts. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the glaze can also balance out the sweetness—you’d be surprised how great that is!

Side Dishes

These doughnuts are perfect alongside a hot cup of black coffee or a spiced chai latte. For brunch, I like to serve them next to scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to keep things balanced. On chilly mornings, a bowl of warm apple cinnamon oatmeal complements the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I bring these doughnuts to gatherings, I love presenting them on a rustic wooden board decorated with fresh apple slices and a small jar of extra glaze for dipping. For holidays, stacking them in a doughnut tower tied with a cinnamon stick and twine makes a festive centerpiece. You can also serve them with mini cups of warm cider or coffee shots on the side for a fun interactive treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I recommend glazing them just before serving so they don’t get soggy. If you’ve already glazed them, keep them covered but eat within a day for the best texture.

Freezing

These doughnuts freeze really well if you want to make them in advance. Freeze the baked doughnuts (unglazed) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple hours. Then add the glaze fresh before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the doughnuts in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to warm through without drying out. You can also microwave for 15-20 seconds, but the oven method maintains the best texture. Add the glaze right after reheating to keep that fresh, glossy finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe is one of those kitchen joys that never gets old. I love how quick and clean the process is compared to frying, and the flavors are always a hit whether it’s a quiet morning treat or a festive get-together. Once you try them, you’ll understand why my family insists on these doughnuts every fall—and honestly, who can blame them? So go ahead, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and give these a whirl. You’re going to love how effortlessly special and comforting they turn out!

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