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Cozy Brown Butter Apple Cider Donuts

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These brown butter apple cider donuts are a cozy, easy-to-make treat with a warm cinnamon sugar coating, perfect for fall mornings and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup (115 g) brown butter
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) apple cider
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp (55 g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Make the Brown Butter (10 minutes): Melt ½ cup (115 g) of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it foams and turns golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma. Once browned (about 4-5 minutes), remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool slightly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and ¼ tsp ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients (5 minutes): In a separate bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter with ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar until smooth. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in ¾ cup (180 ml) apple cider and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry (3-4 minutes): Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable. Avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender.
  5. Prepare the Donut Pan (2 minutes): Lightly grease your donut pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  6. Fill and Bake (12-15 minutes): Spoon batter into each cavity, filling about ¾ full. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and donuts are golden brown around edges.
  7. Cool Slightly (5 minutes): Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  8. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating (2 minutes): Mix 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar with 2 tbsp ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt 4 tbsp (55 g) unsalted butter in a separate bowl.
  9. Coat Donuts (5 minutes): Brush each donut lightly with melted butter, then dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even, slightly thick coating.

Notes

Watch the brown butter carefully to avoid burning; it should be golden brown and nutty. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep donuts tender. Brushing donuts with melted butter before coating helps the cinnamon sugar stick better. If batter is too thick, add a splash more apple cider or milk. Donuts can be fried instead of baked for a different texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, apple cider, donuts, cinnamon sugar, fall recipe, baked donuts, cozy treat

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