Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe with you—it’s one of those cozy fall treats that brings a little warm magic to any morning or afternoon snack. These doughnuts are soft, tender, and bursting with the fragrant spices and sweetness you crave when the weather starts to dip. Plus, baking instead of frying means less mess and a lighter touch without sacrificing any of that classic doughnut charm.

What makes this Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe really stand out is the brown butter maple glaze—it’s rich, aromatic, and just the right balance of sweet and spiced. I remember the first time I tried this combo; my kitchen smelled like an autumn festival, and my family kept sneaking doughnuts, claiming “just one more.” Seriously, these doughnuts hold their own at brunches, fall parties, or whenever you’re craving a homemade treat that feels a little special.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together like an autumn symphony — apple cider, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness that blends perfectly. When shopping, opt for fresh, room-temperature eggs and real apple butter to get that authentic, homemade flavor.

• Apple cider: Reducing it concentrates the flavor, so you get that beautiful apple punch.
• Salted butter: Using salted butter enhances the doughnuts’ flavor, but you can adjust salt if using unsalted.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely, sweet aroma to the batter.
• Large eggs: Bring to room temperature for better mixing and fluffy texture.
• Apple butter: A moist ingredient that adds depth and richness.
• Dark brown sugar: Gives the doughnuts a hint of molasses and moisture.
• All-purpose flour: Your base—makes these doughnuts tender and soft.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners work together to give your doughnuts a nice lift.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger: Classic warm spices that make these feel like fall in a bite.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Honeycrisp apple, chopped: I love the crisp texture and slight tartness it adds—mix with cinnamon sugar for extra sparkle!
• Cinnamon sugar: Used to coat the apples, giving subtle crunch and spice.
• For the Brown Butter Cinnamon Maple Glaze: Salted butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, instant coffee, cinnamon – these ingredients come together for that signature glaze.

Variations

I’m a big fan of making recipes my own, and this Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe is no exception. Feel free to tweak the spices or swap the glaze for a simple powdered sugar one if you want a lighter finish.

• Add Nuts: I’ve stirred in chopped pecans before, which gives a nice crunch and nutty flavor twist.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for coconut oil and use a dairy-free maple syrup glaze—I did this for a friend’s dietary needs and they loved it.
• Spice Adjustments: If you want it more cinnamon-forward, bump up the cinnamon in the batter and glaze.
• Swap Apples: Try using diced Fuji or Gala apples depending on your seasonal picks.

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

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider to Amplify Flavor

Start by pouring your apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes until it shrinks down to almost half a cup. This concentration brings out the sweet-tart apple flavor that makes these doughnuts feel special—don’t rush this step! Once done, remove from heat and let it cool while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Spices

In a large bowl, whisk together the reduced apple cider, melted salted butter, room-temperature eggs, apple butter, vanilla extract, and dark brown sugar. The mix should be smooth and fragrant from the start. Next, sift in your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix or your doughnuts might get tough!

Step 3: Fold in Spiced Apples

In a small bowl, toss the chopped honeycrisp apples with cinnamon sugar so they’re coated with a little sparkle and warmth before folding them gently into the batter. This little trick keeps the apple pieces from sinking and spreads fruity, spicy bites throughout your doughnuts.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your doughnut pan or muffin pan with melted butter. Spoon the batter evenly into the pan cups, filling them halfway to two-thirds full—this helps them rise nicely without spilling over. Bake for about 12 to 13 minutes until the doughnuts are set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges to release the doughnuts before flipping out onto a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Brown Butter Cinnamon Maple Glaze

While the doughnuts cool, melt your butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it bubble and brown slightly—watch carefully—it should take about 2 to 3 minutes until it smells nutty and toasted. Remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup, powdered sugar (start with 3/4 cup and add more for desired thickness), instant coffee, and cinnamon until smooth. This glaze is the star of the show, so don’t skimp on the stirring.

Step 6: Glaze and Enjoy

Dip each doughnut into the glaze or drizzle it generously over the top. The glaze hardens just enough to give a beautiful sheen and a burst of flavor. My favorite way to enjoy these is warm, fresh from the oven, with the glaze still melting slightly—that’s pure comfort. But they’re just as good the next day!

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

Garnishes

I usually add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top for a little sparkle and crunch. Sometimes I top them with thin apple slices caramelized in butter and brown sugar for festive flair. A light dusting of powdered sugar also looks lovely and adds gentle sweetness—totally up to you!

Side Dishes

These doughnuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte. I love serving them alongside a warm bowl of spiced pumpkin or apple soup for a brunch spread that feels cozy and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve arranged them on a tiered dessert stand with autumn leaves and small pumpkins around for a festive centerpiece. You can also stack them with thin ribbons tied around individual doughnuts for gifting or handouts—such a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay surprisingly soft but start to dry out after that, so enjoy within a couple of days for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I wrap individual doughnuts tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them in a zip-top bag. They thaw quickly on the counter or in the microwave and taste almost as fresh as the day they were baked.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. If glazed, the glaze softens back up and you get that fresh-baked feel again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe feels like a warm hug in doughnut form—something I love making when I want to bring a little joy into the kitchen and share it with those I love. It’s a recipe that’s approachable, delicious, and perfect for fall or really any time you want to turn a simple snack into something memorable. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to for cozy mornings and gatherings alike. Go ahead, bake a batch—you won’t regret it!

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