Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts: 7 Steps to Cozy Delight

Name: Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts: 7 Steps to Cozy Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup buttermilk

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Ah, fall! The crisp air, the rustling leaves, and the irresistible aroma of baked goods wafting through the kitchen. There’s something so magical about this season, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than with these delightful brown butter apple cider donuts. Trust me, once you take a bite of these warm, spiced treats, you’ll be hooked! They’re moist, flavorful, and the perfect companion for sipping hot cider or enjoying a cozy afternoon. Plus, making donuts at home is such a joy—it’s a fun activity that fills your space with warmth and sweetness. So, let’s dive in and whip up a batch of these unforgettable goodies together!

brown butter apple cider donuts - detail 1

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for making those delicious brown butter apple cider donuts. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk

Make sure to use fresh apple cider for that vibrant flavor! Trust me, you’ll want the richness of the browned butter to shine through in every bite!

How to Prepare Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts

Get ready to make the most delicious brown butter apple cider donuts! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, flavorful treats in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab your donut pan and give it a good grease with some butter or non-stick spray. This helps the donuts pop right out after baking. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that deliciousness!

Step 2: Reduce Apple Cider

Next, let’s tackle that apple cider. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat. You’ll want to reduce it until it’s about 1/4 cup—this concentrates the flavor and makes those donuts taste divine! It usually takes about 10-15 minutes, so keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to avoid scorching.

Step 3: Brown the Butter

Now, onto the star of the show—browning the butter! In a separate pan, melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Swirl it around occasionally until it turns a lovely golden brown and smells nutty. Be careful not to let it burn! Once it’s browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them together until everything is well mixed. This ensures your donuts will rise perfectly and have that delightful spice blend throughout!

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, reduced apple cider, and that glorious browned butter. Make sure everything is well blended—this mixture adds moisture and richness to your donuts!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful here—overmixing can lead to dense donuts, and nobody wants that! A few lumps are perfectly okay.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Pour the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when 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 to cool completely. You can’t beat that fresh donut smell filling your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly moist and flavorful—each bite bursts with the warm essence of fall.
The rich, nutty flavor of browned butter elevates these donuts to a whole new level.
Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they’ll remind you of cozy autumn afternoons.
Easy to make at home, filling your kitchen with the delightful aroma of baking.
Great for sharing with friends and family or enjoying on a quiet afternoon with a cup of coffee.
These donuts are a fun and festive way to celebrate the season—who can resist a fresh donut?
They’re versatile too! Dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in cinnamon sugar for that extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for Success

Making the perfect brown butter apple cider donuts is all about a few key details. Here are my top tips to ensure yours turn out absolutely divine!

Use fresh apple cider: Trust me, the flavor makes a huge difference! If you can get locally sourced cider, even better.
Don’t rush the browning process: Take your time with the butter. It should be a beautiful golden brown and smell nutty, not burnt. Keep an eye on it!
Measure your flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dense donuts. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
Mix gently: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. A few lumps are totally fine—overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
Cool before glazing: Allow your donuts to cool completely on a wire rack before dusting them with powdered sugar or dipping in cinnamon sugar. This way, your topping will stick perfectly!
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to play around with spices or add-ins like chopped apples or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
Store properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They taste best the day they’re made, but they’ll still be delicious for a couple of days.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to donut perfection! Enjoy the process and the delightful results!

Nutritional Information

Curious about what’s in these scrumptious brown butter apple cider donuts? Here’s a typical breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (that’s one donut!). Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:

Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 3g

These delightful treats are definitely a sweet indulgence, especially with that rich brown butter flavor. So go ahead, enjoy one (or two!) without guilt, and savor the deliciousness of fall!

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works just fine for these brown butter apple cider donuts. Just make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor. If you can find a local brand, that’s even better!

What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Can I bake these donuts in a regular muffin pan?
Sure thing! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a regular muffin tin. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as they may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

How should I store leftover donuts?
To keep your brown butter apple cider donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can refrigerate them for a longer shelf life, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!

Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the donuts! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover brown butter apple cider donuts is super easy, and I’ve got a couple of methods to keep them fresh and tasty! If you happen to have any donuts left (which is a big “if” in my kitchen!), simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about two days. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat them up quickly!

If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge. They can last up to a week in there, but do keep in mind that the texture might change a bit. To enjoy them at their best, I recommend reheating them slightly. Just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up and restore some of that fresh-baked goodness.

For longer storage, freezing is a great option! Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay good for up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave again. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the smell of a freshly warmed donut on a chilly morning!

Serving Suggestions

These brown butter apple cider donuts are such a treat on their own, but pair them with a few delightful accompaniments, and you’ve got an unforgettable experience! Here are some tasty ideas to elevate your donut enjoyment:

Hot Apple Cider: Nothing beats a warm cup of apple cider alongside your freshly baked donuts. The flavors of the cider and donuts just dance together, creating a cozy autumn vibe.
Coffee or Tea: A strong cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea complements the sweetness of the donuts beautifully. The rich flavors balance perfectly, making for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, serve your donuts with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. It adds a fluffy, creamy element that pairs so well with the spiced flavors!
Vanilla Ice Cream: Treat yourself by serving these warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is just heavenly, and the ice cream melts slightly into the donut—yum!
Maple Syrup: Drizzle some pure maple syrup over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. The maple flavor enhances the fall essence and adds a deliciously sticky finish.
Fresh Fruit: Sliced apples or pears make a lovely addition, adding freshness and crunch to your donut experience. Plus, they’re a great way to balance the sweetness!

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply enjoying a cozy moment all to yourself. Get ready for smiles all around as you savor each bite!

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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.