Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly made donuts infusing your kitchen with the sweet and spicy scent of apple cider. These Easy Apple Cider Glazed Donuts promise to offer this exact delightful experience, making your morning feel like a cozy embrace. The joy of biting into a warm, soft donut, perfectly glazed with the flavors of autumn, can truly become the essence of your breakfast or dessert.
The simplicity of this recipe allows you to enjoy bakery-quality donuts without stepping out of your house or investing hours in the kitchen. With refrigerated biscuit dough as the star ingredient, the hassle of homemade dough preparation is eliminated, making this recipe accessible and achievable for even novice home cooks. Coupled with the sweet and subtly spiced apple cider glaze, these donuts transform into an irresistible treat that caters to your cravings, whether you’re savoring it as part of a luxurious morning or a comforting dessert.
The combination of crunchy, sugary exterior and soft, fluffy interior is well complemented by the warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon and nutmeg present in the glaze. It’s an elegant fusion of flavors that evokes nostalgia and indulgence. Preparing these apple cider glazed donuts at home is not just about the treat itself but also about creating moments that feel like celebrating the little joys in life with your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Cider Glazed Donuts
There’s a lot to love about these delightful donuts:
- Effortless Preparation: Using biscuit dough saves time and simplifies the cooking process.
- Perfect for Any Time: Enjoy these donuts as a quick breakfast, a dessert, or a delightful snack.
- Flavorful Glaze: The apple cider glaze adds a unique twist with warm spices adding depth to the sweetness.
- Customizable: Roll them in sugar or add your favorite toppings for extra flair.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the donut-making process, ensure your kitchen is ready for the aromatic journey ahead. Clear your workspace to accommodate a deep skillet or pot for frying, ensuring it’s large enough to comfortably fit multiple donuts without overcrowding. A candy thermometer is a helpful tool to monitor the oil temperature, maintaining the preferable heat for optimal frying results.
Preparing the space not only sets you up for success but also creates an inviting cooking environment. Line a cooling rack with paper towels near your frying station to quickly and effectively drain excess oil after frying. Preparing a small mixing bowl and whisk for the glaze ensures a smooth consistency, free from any lumps, ensuring your donuts are perfectly coated with the sweet spiced glaze effortlessly.

Ingredients
- 1 16.3 oz can refrigerated biscuit dough, NOT flaky or butter flavored
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp warm apple cider
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup sugar
- Canola oil, for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by heating canola oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Using a candy thermometer helps maintain consistent temperature, ensuring your donuts are perfectly fried without being greasy.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
While the oil is heating, prepare the delicious apple cider glaze. Combine powdered sugar, warm apple cider, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, setting it aside until you’re ready to glaze the fresh donuts.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Carefully separate the biscuit dough from the can. Divide each piece into halves or shape them into your desired donut style. Ensure even thickness for uniform cooking.
Step 4: Fry the Donuts
Gently lower the dough pieces into the preheated oil. Fry each side until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. This ensures a crispy exterior while retaining the softness inside. Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift them out and place them on a paper towel-lined rack to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish
While still warm, dip each donut into the prepared apple cider glaze, ensuring they are fully and evenly coated. For extra sweetness and spice, consider rolling them in sugar while the glaze remains slightly tacky.

Variations
- Protein: For an enriched flavor, add almond or hazelnut meal to the dough.
- Vegetables: Add pumpkin puree to the glaze for an autumnal twist.
- Spices: Experiment with different spice blends like ginger or cardamom for varied nuances.
Cooking Notes
- It’s crucial to maintain the oil temperature to avoid burning the donuts outside while ensuring they are cooked through.
- If the oil overheats, let it cool slightly before proceeding to fry more donuts.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these donuts with a hot cup of apple cider for a comforting treat.
- Serve them alongside vanilla ice cream topped with warm caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
Tips
- Use a cookie cutter for uniform donut shapes to ensure even frying.
- Pre-make the glaze and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week for easy access when making fresh donuts.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per donut
- Protein: 2 grams
- Sodium: 350 mg
FAQs
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can shape the dough and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying.
What can I use instead of biscuit dough?
Try using homemade yeast donut dough for a traditional approach.
How can I ensure my glaze is smooth?
Whisk the ingredients thoroughly, adding the apple cider gradually to achieve a lump-free consistency.
How do I store leftover donuts?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion
Making these Easy Apple Cider Glazed Donuts can become a joyous tradition that enriches your culinary repertoire. Perfectly fusing simplicity with delightful flavors, they offer the irresistible charm of freshly made donuts without much hassle. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a brunch or simply treating yourself on a lazy Sunday morning, these donuts prove to be a delightful addition to any occasion. Engage with the recipe by customizing variations to fit your taste or serve them with additional accompaniments that cater to your dessert fantasies. We invite you to leave your suggestions and experiences in the comments—sharing ways you made these treats uniquely yours.
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Easy Apple Cider Glazed Donuts
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
These Easy Apple Cider Glazed Donuts promise to offer this exact delightful experience, making your morning feel like a cozy embrace.
Ingredients
- 1 16.3 oz can refrigerated biscuit dough, NOT flaky or butter flavored
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp warm apple cider
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup sugar
- Canola oil, for frying
Instructions
- Start by heating canola oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
- While the oil is heating, prepare the delicious apple cider glaze. Combine powdered sugar, warm apple cider, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Carefully separate the biscuit dough from the can. Divide each piece into halves or shape them into your desired donut style.
- Gently lower the dough pieces into the preheated oil. Fry each side until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- While still warm, dip each donut into the prepared apple cider glaze, ensuring they are fully and evenly coated.
Notes
It’s crucial to maintain the oil temperature to avoid burning the donuts outside while ensuring they are cooked through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Protein: 2 g