These doughnuts are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Make them for a brunch party, picnic or to enjoy with a cup of coffee and a good book. To take these to the next level, serve with a Cider Glaze that is packed with sweet apple cider flavor. It adds an extra punch of cider, and it can work both as a glaze or dipping sauce.
confectioner's sugar and/or cinnamon sugar to coat doughnuts,optional
Cider Glaze
4cupsapple cider
1cupmaple syrup
1cuppowered sugar
2tspssalt
Instructions
Cider Doughnuts
Using the paddle attachment, beat the sugar and butter until pale and fluffy, about 4–6 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating a minute after each addition.
In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Set aside.
Pour the buttermilk, cider and vanilla extract into the sugar/butter/egg mixture in the mixer. Thoroughly mix, and then add the flour mixture. Combine gently until fully moistened.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and dust generously with flour. Turn the dough out onto one baking sheet and pat gently into ¾-inch (2cm) thickness. Sprinkle the dough with additional flour, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up. You can piece together any leftover dough and roll out to cut more doughnuts.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Pick out two ring molds, and use them to cut the dough into desired sizes. Place the cut doughnuts on your second baking sheet as you go; then transfer to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up again.
Line a plate with a few layers of paper towels and set it nearby. In a large pot, heat 3 inches (8cm) of oil to 350°F (188°C).
Drop 3 or 4 doughnuts into the oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook until browned on one side, about 1 minute, then flip and cook until browned on the other side, about 1 minute longer.
Repeat with the remaining dough. If you find that it's getting too soft as you work your way through the batches, cool dough in the refrigerator. When the doughnuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, sprinkle all over with cinnamon sugar or confectioners' sugar. Serve immediately.
Cider Glaze
Reduce the apple cider and maple syrup in a sauce pan over medium heat until it's thick and can coat the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and salt until fully incorporated.
Use to glaze the Cider Doughnuts while they're still warm.
Notes
Be careful when working with hot oil! Make sure to use a pot much larger than the amount of oil needed to avoid any spillovers and grease fires.
Keyword Apple Cider Recipe, Dessert, Donuts, Doughnuts