Apple Cider Donuts

With the cold January temps and darker days creeping in, I’ve needed every bit of extra motivation I can find (not to mention, increased volume and frequency on my alarm clock!) just to get out of bed; of course, the difficulty of getting up only multiplies when I’m trying to will myself outside for an early morning run. Unfortunately, my old stand-by motivation (coffee) hasn’t been quite strong enough lately.

So what is there left to do?

The answer is simple: DONUTS.

But I’m not talking about your average donut here, I’m talking about delicious, cakey, and flavorful apple cider donuts that are baked, not fried, and use the very best cider out there.

Enter my Baked Apple Cider Donuts with Kristof Farms Orchard Cider.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups of Kristof Farms Orchard Cider

• 2 tbs butter, melted and cooled

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 3/4 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon, divided

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 egg, at room temparature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup granulated sugar

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease two donut trays with oil (or spray with non-stick spray).

• In a small saucepan, reduce the Orchard Cider over medium heat by about half a cup (for about 20-30 minutes). Meanwhile, melt the butter and set it aside to cool.

• Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, spices, and 1 tsp of the cinnamon in a large bowl. In a separate bowl whisk together the reduced hard cider (make sure it has cooled first), brown sugar, milk, butter, vanilla extract, and egg until combined.

• Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, and stir together with a wooden spoon.

• Transfer the dough to the baking trays and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Your donuts are done when you press into the cake and the sponge bounces back immediately. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack.

• When the donuts are cool enough to handle, whisk together the granulated sugar and remaining cinnamon, and roll the donuts in the mixture until fully coated.

• Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temp, and enjoy within 3-4 days. You can also freeze them if you want to make them ahead. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight before you wish to eat them.

Enjoy!