brown butter apple cider donuts: 5 Cozy Fall Delights

September 26, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these brown butter apple cider donuts! They’re like a warm hug on a chilly fall day, bursting with cozy flavors that just scream autumn. The moment I take a bite, I’m transported to my childhood, where my family and I would gather around the kitchen, the sweet smell of cider wafting through the air. Trust me, these donuts are perfect for crisp mornings or lazy afternoons – whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them with loved ones. They’re irresistible, and you’ll want to make them again and again!

brown butter apple cider donuts - detail 1

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup apple cider
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 large eggs

Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results! And don’t forget to let that butter get nice and nutty for that rich flavor – it’s a game changer! Happy baking!

How to Prepare brown butter apple cider donuts

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty when your donuts are ready to go in.
While that’s heating up, grab a saucepan and pour in your apple cider. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer until it’s reduced by half. This step is super important because it concentrates the flavor; you’ll want to keep an eye on it!
Now, let’s brown the butter! In a skillet over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter. Swirl it around as it melts until it turns a lovely golden brown and smells nutty—this is where the magic happens!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It should smell like fall already!
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and your reduced apple cider until everything is well combined. This is where you’ll combine the wet and dry ingredients, so make sure it’s good and mixed!
Pour that beautiful browned butter into the wet mixture and stir it together. The warm butter will melt the sugar a bit, and it’s going to be delicious!
Now, gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – we want those donuts fluffy and tender!
Next, fill a donut pan with the batter. I love using a piping bag for this part; it makes everything so much cleaner and easier! Aim to fill each cavity about three-quarters full.
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This is crucial—let them cool completely so they don’t get soggy!

And there you have it! Your brown butter apple cider donuts are ready to enjoy. I can’t wait for you to take that first bite; it’s pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and apple cider creates a deep, nutty sweetness that’s simply irresistible. It’s like autumn in every bite!
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip these up without any fuss. You’ll impress everyone with minimal effort!
Perfect for Fall: These donuts are the ultimate fall treat, making them ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday brunches, or just a special morning at home.
Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the careful mixing and the right baking time, these donuts are wonderfully light and tender, making them hard to resist!
Versatile Options: You can easily customize them with different spices, glazes, or toppings. Dust them with powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel for extra flair!
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves donuts, and these are no exception! They’re a hit with kids and adults alike, making them perfect for sharing.

Trust me, once you make these brown butter apple cider donuts, they’ll become a beloved recipe in your fall baking repertoire!

Tips for Success

Now, let me share some of my favorite tips to make sure your brown butter apple cider donuts come out absolutely perfect every time!

Perfectly Browned Butter: When browning the butter, keep a close eye on it! It can go from perfectly nutty to burnt in a matter of seconds. Swirl it gently in the pan and look for a golden color with a lovely aroma. Trust me, this step adds incredible depth to your donuts!
Measure Flour Correctly: For the fluffiest donuts, make sure to measure your flour accurately. I like to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can lead to dense donuts, and we definitely don’t want that!
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, and we want them light and airy. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
Use a Donut Pan: A good quality donut pan makes all the difference! If you don’t have one, consider investing in one. They help the donuts keep their shape and create that lovely donut texture we all love.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your donuts as they bake! They’re done when they turn golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. If you find they’re browning too quickly, you can always cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Cool Properly: Allow your donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom, ensuring they stay perfectly tender!

With these tips in your back pocket, I know you’ll create the most delicious brown butter apple cider donuts that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy the baking journey!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful brown butter apple cider donuts. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea!

Calories: 210
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

These donuts are a delightful treat, and while they’re not a health food, they’re certainly worth enjoying in moderation! Happy indulging!

FAQ Section

I get a lot of questions about these brown butter apple cider donuts, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones! I want you to feel totally confident while making these delicious treats.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Absolutely! If you want to make them gluten-free, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it has a good binding agent, and you’ll be good to go!

What if I can’t find apple cider?

No worries! You can substitute apple juice, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich. If you have fresh apples, you can also make your own cider by blending and straining them!

How do I store leftover donuts?

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re still tasty, but might lose a bit of that fresh-baked goodness!

Can I freeze these donuts?

Yes! You can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature!

What are some variations I can try?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can add in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch, or swap out the spices for your favorites. A pinch of ginger or cloves would be delightful! You might even try a maple glaze instead of powdered sugar for a fun twist.

Can I make these donuts in advance?

Definitely! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight. Just give it a good stir before filling the donut pan and baking. They’ll taste just as fresh!

Got more questions? Feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you whip up the best brown butter apple cider donuts ever! Enjoy the baking adventure!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious brown butter apple cider donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about 2 days. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to savor every last bite, so it’s best to enjoy them quickly!

If you have any leftovers (which I find hard to believe!), you can freeze them for up to a month. Just wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent any freezer burn. When you’re ready to indulge again, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. They’ll taste just as delightful!

Now, if you want to enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will keep them soft and delicious, just like when they first came out of the oven. Enjoy every bite – they’re worth it!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, the joy of pairing these brown butter apple cider donuts with the perfect accompaniments! They’re so versatile and can elevate any gathering or cozy moment. Here are some of my favorite ideas to make your donut experience even more delightful:

Coffee or Espresso: There’s nothing quite like the rich, bold flavor of coffee to complement the sweet, nutty notes of these donuts. A warm cup of your favorite brew makes for the ultimate breakfast or afternoon treat!
Hot Apple Cider: If you’re feeling extra autumnal, serve your donuts with a steaming mug of spiced apple cider. The flavors harmonize beautifully, creating a comforting vibe that’s perfect for chilly days.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For a delicious dessert twist, try serving the donuts warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast of warm and cold is simply divine!
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of your donut can take it to a new level of indulgence. You could even flavor it with a hint of cinnamon for a fun twist!
Maple Syrup Drizzle: If you want to amp up the sweetness, drizzle some pure maple syrup over the top. The combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Fresh Fruit: Pair them with some sliced apples or a medley of berries for a refreshing touch. It balances the sweetness and adds a lovely pop of color to your plate!

Get creative and mix and match these suggestions; the possibilities are endless! No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these donuts are sure to bring joy to your table and warmth to your heart. Happy indulging!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.