![Recipe: Baked Apple Cider Mini Donuts](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/apple-cider-mini-donuts-7.jpg)
Apple picking season is one I look forward to each year. I love everything about it – crisp weather, tiny apple trees absolutely brimming with fruit, and – of course – warm apple cider donuts. The combination of cinnamon spice, apples, and a satisfying crumb is irresistible. Inspired by the season and all things apple, I wanted to capture the flavor of these seasonal treats at home.
Being averse to deep-frying in general, I opted to pick up a mini-donut pan for making baked donuts. Baked donut pans are widely available at craft and cooking stores. You’ll also want a bottle of great apple cider (I prefer the unfiltered kind).
The whole wheat pastry flour used here has a delicate texture with all the goodness of whole wheat. A mix of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour can be substituted.
![Recipe: Baked Apple Cider Mini Donuts](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/apple-cider-mini-donuts-4.jpg)
Finally, note that as we get further into the fall baking season, it’s a great time to check the pantry to ensure seasonal spices like cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg are fresh. Fresh spices are more fragrant and flavorful and can make a big difference in the finished product.
What You Need
![Recipe: Baked Apple Cider Mini Donuts](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/apple-cider-mini-donuts-2.jpg)
Adapted from The FauxMartha recipe, makes 24 mini donuts.
- Mini donut pan
- Pastry bag
For the Mini Donuts
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup unfiltered apple cider
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
For the Cinnamon Sugar Glaze
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 teaspoons unfiltered apple cider
- 1/4 cup turbinado sugar (or sugar of choice)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How-To
![Recipe: Baked Apple Cider Mini Donuts](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/apple-cider-mini-donuts-5.jpg)
![Recipe: Baked Apple Cider Mini Donuts](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/apple-cider-mini-donuts-3.jpg)
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray mini-donut pan with cooking spray. Fit a large rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack and set aside.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in apple cider and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk to combine flour, baking powder, spices, and sea salt.
- Pour cooled butter mixture into a small bowl (reserve saucepan for the glaze). Whisk in the egg and sugar. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until combined. Spoon batter into a pastry bag fitted with a large circular tip. Pipe batter into prepared donut pan, filling each donut cup just halfway.
- Bake for 5 – 6 minutes, or until donuts are a light golden brown and springy to the touch.
- Meanwhile, make the glaze. Melt butter in reserved saucepan, and then stir in apple cider. In a small dish, stir to combine sugar and cinnamon.
- Working quickly, dip donuts on both sides into butter mixture, and then turn to coat with cinnamon sugar. Set sugared donuts on prepared wire rack to cool briefly.
![Recipe: Baked Apple Cider Mini Donuts](https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/apple-cider-mini-donuts-6.jpg)
Donuts are best enjoyed right away!