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Cozy Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts

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These warm, nutty brown butter apple cider donuts are a quick and easy homemade cinnamon sugar treat perfect for cozy fall mornings or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for browning)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • ½ cup apple cider (fresh if possible; pear juice as summer substitute)
  • ⅓ cup buttermilk (or whole milk mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for coating)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir gently until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the browned butter (warm but not hot), ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, ½ cup apple cider, ⅓ cup buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Make the Batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined; batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
  5. Spoon Batter into Donut Pan: Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full, making 10-12 donuts depending on pan size.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake donuts for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden and springy. Check doneness with a toothpick.
  7. Cool Slightly: Let donuts cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool another 5 minutes until warm but not hot.
  8. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Melt 3 tablespoons butter for brushing.
  9. Coat Donuts: Brush each donut with melted butter, then toss or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.
  10. Serve Warm: Enjoy donuts fresh and warm.

Notes

Use medium to medium-low heat and stir constantly when browning butter to avoid burning. Do not overmix batter to keep donuts tender. If batter is too thick, add a splash more apple cider or buttermilk. Cool donuts before coating to ensure cinnamon sugar sticks well. A light-colored pan helps monitor butter browning. Muffin tins can be used if donut pan is unavailable, but coating may be trickier.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, apple cider, donuts, cinnamon sugar, fall recipe, quick dessert, homemade donuts

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