There’s something magical about the smell of Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Donuts baking in the oven, that warm, cinnamon-kissed aroma that instantly makes the house feel like the holidays. I remember standing on a stool as a kid, watching my mom pull golden donuts from the oven while Christmas carols played in the background. Those tender, spice-filled bites were our family’s little celebration of the season, and now I make them every December with my own kids. These donuts aren’t just dessert, they’re edible holiday cheer, packed with cozy flavors that taste like Christmas morning in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
Trust me, these aren’t just any donuts; they’re little rounds of holiday happiness. Here’s why they’ll become your new Christmas tradition:
- So easy: The batter comes together in one bowl (okay, two if we’re being precise) in about 10 minutes flat
- That festive flavor: Warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves dance with sweet apple cider in every bite
- Gift-worthy: Tied up in a pretty box, they make neighbors swoon (I may have gotten three recipe requests last year)
- Kid-approved magic: My little ones call them “Christmas circles” and beg to lick the bowl clean
Ingredients for Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
Gathering these ingredients is half the holiday fun. I love how they smell when they all come together! Here’s what you’ll need for donuts that taste like Christmas in every bite:
- Dry ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (don’t pack it!)
- 1 tsp baking powder: that magic lift
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon: the coziest spice
- 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (trust me, fresh makes a difference)
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves: just enough holiday warmth
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- Wet ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar: for that molasses depth
- 1/2 cup fresh apple cider (not juice! The good local stuff)
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, slightly cooled (or dairy-free butter for my vegan friends)
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 tsp real vanilla extract: none of that imitation stuff
See? Nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that turn into holiday magic. Now let’s make some donuts!
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab these trusty tools (don’t worry, nothing too fancy!):
- A standard donut pan (the hero of our story)
- Two mixing bowls, one for dry, one for wet ingredients
- A trusty whisk and rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
No donut pan? No panic! A muffin tin works in a pinch, just reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes.
How to Make Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
Okay, let’s get baking! These donuts come together so easily. Just follow these simple steps for perfect holiday treats every time.
Preparing the Batter
First, whisk all those gorgeous dry ingredients together in one bowl: the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. I always take a deep inhale at this point because that cinnamon-clove-nutmeg combo smells like Christmas morning.
In another bowl, whisk together the sugars, apple cider, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Now here’s the important part: pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold them together with a rubber spatula. I mean GENTLY, stop mixing the moment you stop seeing flour streaks. Overmixing makes tough donuts, and we want these babies tender!
Baking the Donuts
Preheat that oven to 350°F and grease your donut pan well (I use butter and a pastry brush to get in all the crevices). Fill each cavity about 2/3 full; a piping bag makes this neat, but a spoon works fine too. Just don’t overfill or your donuts will lose their pretty shape!
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. My trick? They’re done when they spring back lightly when touched. Let them cool in the pan for exactly 3 minutes before transferring to a rack; any longer and they might stick!
Finishing Touches
Now for the fun part! While still slightly warm, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy look (my kids’ favorite). Or for extra holiday sparkle, mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon and roll the donuts in it; the warmth helps the coating stick beautifully.
Pro tip from my many batches: If you’re doing the cinnamon sugar, do it while the donuts are warm but not hot, and place them on a rack over a baking sheet to catch the excess sugar. Your kitchen will smell like a Christmas bakery!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
After making these donuts every holiday season for years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make them absolutely perfect:
- Fresh is best: Use real apple cider (not juice!), that caramel-apple flavor makes all the difference
- Timing is everything: Let donuts cool just 3 minutes in the pan before transferring, any longer and they stick, any shorter and they crumble
- Storage secret: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature (if they last that long!) with a slice of bread to maintain moisture
- Spice it up: Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the batter; it wakes up their flavor beautifully
Variations for Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
Oh, the fun you can have with these donuts! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:
- Nutty delight: Fold in 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Glazed goodness: Dip cooled donuts in a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, apple cider, and a pinch of cinnamon
- Spice swap: Try cardamom instead of cloves for a different kind of warmth
- Adult version: Brush baked donuts with spiced rum before dusting with sugar (kids get the plain ones!)
The best part? Every variation still tastes like Christmas in every bite. If you are looking for other festive baked goods, check out these apple cider donut loaf recipes.
Serving and Storing Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Donuts
Oh, these donuts are absolute magic when served warm, that’s when the spices really sing! I always time my baking so they come out of the oven just as guests arrive, filling the house with that irresistible cider aroma. If you need to store them (though in my house they never last long), pop them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back that fresh-baked warmth perfectly. Pro tip: Layer them between parchment paper so they don’t stick together, and toss in a slice of bread to keep them moist!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist (just a donut enthusiast!), but here’s what you should know about these Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Donuts. Like all good holiday treats, they’re meant to be enjoyed in moderation, though good luck stopping at just one! The nutritional values will vary depending on your exact ingredients and how generous you are with toppings. Using local apple cider versus store-bought, real butter versus substitutes, it all makes a difference. My philosophy? A little indulgence during the holidays feeds the soul as much as the body. Just don’t ask me how many I’ve eaten in one sitting while watching Christmas movies! For more holiday inspiration, visit Family Tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Oh, honey, I know it’s tempting when you’re in a pinch, but real apple cider makes all the difference! The unfiltered, spiced kind gives that deep caramel-apple flavor we love. Juice works in emergencies, but reduce it by 2 tablespoons since it’s thinner.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Absolutely! Freeze them unglazed in a single layer first, then stack in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, a quick 5-second microwave zap brings back that fresh-baked magic.
How do I prevent sticking?
My golden rule: grease every nook of that pan with butter (or baking spray) and don’t skip the 3-minute cooling time before removing. If they still stick, run a butter knife around the edges gently. Patience is key!
Can I make these gluten-free?
You bet! Swap the flour 1:1 with your favorite gluten-free blend (I like ones with xanthan gum). The texture changes slightly, but the holiday flavors still shine through beautifully. If you enjoy baked goods, you might also like these cinnamon roll bundt cake recipes.
Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Donuts: 10 Secrets for Perfect Holiday Treats
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Spiced Apple Cider Donuts are a festive treat, combining warm spices and apple cider for a cozy holiday flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple cider, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fill the donut pan cavities 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or dip in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts tender.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg