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Kid-Approved Apple Cider Donuts with Easy Maple Glaze

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Soft and tender baked apple cider donuts with a rich maple glaze, made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for fall breakfasts, snacks, or desserts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh apple cider
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ¼ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze, optional)
  • Pinch of salt (for glaze)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
  • Extra cinnamon sugar (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Reduce the apple cider: Pour the cider into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about ¼ cup (12-15 minutes). Set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a donut pan generously with non-stick cooking spray.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  4. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together cooled reduced cider, egg, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
  6. Fill donut pan: Transfer batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe batter into each donut cavity, filling about ¾ full.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Let donuts cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon milk, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Add more milk if needed to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
  10. Glaze the donuts: Once donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Place back on the wire rack, glazed side up. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or flaky salt if desired.
  11. Let glaze set at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until firm.

Notes

Don’t skip the cider reduction—it concentrates the apple flavor and prevents soggy donuts. Let donuts cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze. For best results, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider and real maple syrup. Donuts can be frozen unglazed for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donuts, maple glaze, baked donuts, fall recipe, kid-friendly, easy donuts

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/kid-approved-apple-cider-donuts-with-easy-maple-glaze/