Colin Cook’s Up: Apple Cider Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

There’s something nostalgic about biting into a warm donut coated in cinnamon sugar, especially when it’s homemade and made for sharing with loved ones. These apple cider donuts bring together crisp fall mornings, the crackle of holiday firesides, and Colin’s signature style—simple, rustic, and unforgettable with every bite.

This recipe is amazing for the holiday season!

Baked or fried, these donuts are soft, moist, and brimming with apple cider flavor.
Rolling them in cinnamon sugar gives every donut a sweet, sparkling finish that’s irresistible on any brunch or dessert table.

What you need:

1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup, see instructions)
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup milk
1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

What to do:

Reduce the Cider:
Pour apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to about ½ cup. This concentrates the flavor and gives the donuts their signature zing. Cool completely.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, both sugars, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the cooled reduced cider, melted butter, milk, vanilla, and egg until smooth. Gradually add the wet mix to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick but should not be overmixed.
Fill the Donut Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan. Transfer the batter to a large zip bag, snip the corner, and pipe batter into each donut cavity, filling about ¾ full.
Bake and Cool:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 5–10 minutes in the pan before turning out onto a wire rack.
Cinnamon Sugar Finish:
Melt butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar. While donuts are still warm, dip each in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar until thoroughly coated.

Colin’s Cook-Up Tips

Serve these donuts warm with a mug of fresh apple cider or hot cocoa for a true holiday breakfast treat.
To make ahead, store cooled, uncoated donuts in an airtight container, then warm and dredge in butter and cinnamon sugar just before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.