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Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts Recipe Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Coating

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Cozy brown butter apple cider donuts with a crispy cinnamon sugar coating and a tender, cakey inside. Perfect for fall mornings and gatherings, these donuts combine nutty brown butter flavor with a subtle tang from apple cider.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240ml) apple cider
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk or buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons (85g) of unsalted butter. Stir constantly as it foams and then turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar until evenly combined.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk 2 large eggs (room temperature), 1 cup (240ml) apple cider, ½ cup (120ml) whole milk or buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the slightly cooled browned butter until smooth.
  4. Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold together with a wooden spoon or spatula. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter should be thick but scoopable.
  5. Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches (5 cm) of canola or vegetable oil into your skillet or fryer. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
  6. Fry the donuts: Using two spoons or a small ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches of 3-4 to avoid crowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to flip and remove.
  7. Drain and coat: Transfer the donuts to a baking rack lined with paper towels to drain briefly. While still warm, roll each donut in a bowl of cinnamon sugar (½ cup granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons cinnamon) so the sugar sticks and forms a gritty coating.
  8. Cool slightly and serve: Let the donuts cool just enough to handle but enjoy them warm for the best texture contrast.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy or burnt donuts. Roll donuts in cinnamon sugar immediately after frying while warm to keep coating crisp. Do not overmix batter to keep donuts light and tender. Brown butter slowly and watch carefully to avoid burning. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute flour and dairy as noted in variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, apple cider, donuts, cinnamon sugar, fall recipe, homemade donuts, fried donuts, easy donuts

Find it online: https://islatable.com/brown-butter-apple-cider-donuts-recipe-easy-homemade-cinnamon-sugar-coating/