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Cozy Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts

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These cozy brown butter apple cider donuts are tender, warm, and coated in cinnamon sugar, offering a perfect homemade treat with a subtle autumnal flavor and nutty depth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (180ml) apple cider
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk or buttermilk, room temperature (use dairy-free milk if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons (85g) of unsalted butter. Stir gently as it foams, then turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 4–5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it. Pour into a heatproof bowl and let cool slightly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg until evenly combined.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the browned butter, ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg (room temperature), ¾ cup (180ml) apple cider, ½ cup (120ml) milk or buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and incorporated.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The batter will be thick but smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender.
  5. Fill the Donut Pan: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease donut pan or spray with non-stick spray. Spoon or pipe batter evenly into each cavity, filling about ¾ full. Makes 6–8 donuts depending on pan size.
  6. Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until tops are set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Donuts should spring back lightly when pressed.
  7. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While donuts bake, mix ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave.
  8. Coat Donuts: Once donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, brush each donut lightly with melted butter using a pastry brush or fingers. Immediately dip or roll in cinnamon sugar mixture until coated evenly.
  9. Cool and Serve: Place coated donuts on a wire rack to set for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use a light-colored pan to brown butter to better see color changes. Avoid overmixing batter to keep donuts tender. Brush donuts with melted butter before coating to help cinnamon sugar stick without clumping. Cool donuts slightly before coating to prevent sugar from melting and becoming soggy. Donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, apple cider, donuts, cinnamon sugar, homemade, baked donuts, autumn, cozy treats

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/cozy-brown-butter-apple-cider-donuts-recipe-easy-homemade-cinnamon-sugar-treats/