Name: Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup apple cider; 2 tbsp salted butter, melted; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; ¼ cup apple butter; ½ cup packed dark brown sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground ginger; ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 honeycrisp apple, chopped (about 1/2 cup); 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar; 4 tbsp salted butter; ⅓ cup maple syrup; ¾-1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp instant coffee; ½ tsp cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 20 reviews

Get cozy and indulge in the most irresistible fall treat: Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze. Imagine the aroma of spiced apple cider swirling through your kitchen as each fluffy doughnut emerges golden from the oven, bursting with real apple chunks and just the right blend of autumn spices. Crowned with a shimmery brown butter glaze, these doughnuts pack all the nostalgic joy of a trip to the cider mill, but they’re baked right in your own home. There’s magic in every bite—in the tender crumb, the sticky glaze, and the sweet-tart pop of apple. Trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again whenever the craving for something warmly spiced and comfortingly sweet hits.

Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze is how each ingredient works in beautiful harmony to create that signature flavor. You don’t need anything fancy—just humble pantry staples and a few kicks of bold spice to savor the taste and aroma of fall.

Apple cider: Simmering and reducing it concentrates the flavor, bringing that signature apple punch.
Salted butter, melted: Adds rich, creamy depth to both the doughnuts and the luscious glaze.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and ties the flavors together.
Large eggs, at room temperature: Give the doughnuts structure and a delicate, springy crumb.
Apple butter: Intensifies the fruit flavor and keeps every bite tender.
Packed dark brown sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps the doughnuts brown.
All-purpose flour: The perfect base to build fluffy, moist doughnuts.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners create that beautiful lift and softness.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: This trio brings comforting warmth and autumn flair.
Kosher salt: A little salt balances out the sweetness and amplifies other flavors.
Honeycrisp apple, chopped: Fresh apple pieces for added texture and big bursts of juicy flavor.
Cinnamon sugar: Tossed with the apple pieces, this adds sparkle and extra spice.
For the glaze: Salted butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, instant coffee, ground cinnamon: These blend into a luscious, fudgy glaze with notes of toastiness and maple warmth.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Get your doughnut (or muffin) pan ready by greasing it well with melted butter to avoid any tricky sticking later. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’ll be perfectly hot by the time your batter is ready. This little bit of prep work ensures a smoother experience start to finish.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour your apple cider into a saucepan and let it bubble over high heat. As it simmers, the flavors condense and sweeten—this takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Once it’s reduced to half a cup, pull it from the heat and let it cool. This step is what gives Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze their deep, authentic apple tang!

Step 3: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the concentrated cider, melted butter, eggs, apple butter, vanilla, and dark brown sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined—take care not to overmix or the doughnuts could turn dense.

Step 4: Add the Apples

Chop your Honeycrisp apple into small cubes and toss them with the cinnamon sugar until they’re nicely coated. Gently fold these sweet-spiced apple bits into your batter. You’ll love the pockets of fruit that brighten each bite!

Step 5: Bake the Doughnuts

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, filling each cavity only about halfway to two-thirds full to allow room for them to rise. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, or until they’re set and spring back to the touch. Let them cool for five minutes before gently easing each doughnut out of the pan.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Maple Glaze

In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it browns and smells a little nutty—this adds deep flavor! Remove from the heat and mix in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, instant coffee, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and glossy. Dip each doughnut in the glaze or drizzle lavishly over the top. For the ultimate experience, sneak a warm doughnut right away!

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Garnishes

A dusting of extra cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans can elevate your Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze to the next level. If you’re feeling playful, finish with a handful of dried apple crisps or a tiny pinch of sea salt for contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your doughnuts with steaming mugs of chai latte, hot apple cider, or a nutty espresso. For a fall breakfast spread, they’re amazing alongside Greek yogurt with honey, or fresh, crisp apple slices. Their gentle sweetness also pairs well with sharp cheddar or a slice of aged gouda for a savory-sweet snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the doughnuts on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment for a farmhouse feel, or stack them sky-high on a cake stand for a brunch centerpiece. Mini doughnuts look extra adorable as part of a dessert platter. Wrap extras in waxed paper and tie with string for a heartfelt homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze may cause them to stick together a bit, so layer parchment or waxed paper between each doughnut.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these doughnuts—just let them cool completely before placing them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. For best results, freeze them unglazed. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and apply the fresh glaze for that perfect just-made taste.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop your doughnuts in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, or microwave them in short 10-second bursts until soft and warm. Add the glaze after reheating, or—if already glazed—expect the topping to get just a touch melty and extra delicious!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple cider instead of homemade?

Absolutely! Store-bought cider works great and saves a ton of prep time. Just make sure it’s 100% apple cider (not juice or from concentrate) to ensure the deepest flavor for your Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze.

What if I don’t have a doughnut pan?

No doughnut pan? No problem! A standard muffin pan works beautifully—just bake as directed and call them doughnut muffins. You’ll still get all the flavors and that irresistible glaze.

Can I make these doughnuts gluten free?

Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free blend. Just check that your mix includes xanthan gum to help mimic the texture, and the rest of the recipe stays the same.

Do I have to use instant coffee in the glaze?

While the instant coffee isn’t crucial, it does add a subtle depth that complements the sweetness. You can skip it if you prefer, or replace with a dash of espresso powder or leave it out entirely.

How long does the glaze take to set?

The glaze for Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze sets up in about 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. If you like a firmer glaze, just let the doughnuts sit uncovered a bit longer.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about fall baking, and these Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze capture all the best flavors of the season in every cozy, spiced bite. Whether you share them with friends or keep them all to yourself, I hope they find a spot among your favorite autumn traditions—don’t be surprised if they disappear fast!