Apple Cinnamon Donuts

It was one of those mornings where my toddler turned the dog’s water bowl into a splash zone and my older kid decided the wall needed a yogurt mural. Amid the chaos, I realized we needed something comforting, easy, and slightly indulgent. That’s when these Apple Cinnamon Donuts came to life. If you’re searching for fall desserts that are cozy, approachable, and loved by the whole family, these Apple Cinnamon Donuts are exactly what you need.

These Apple Cinnamon Donuts are soft, tender, and perfectly spiced. They’re an ideal family-friendly dessert or breakfast treat, and making easy homemade donuts like these feels like a little bakery magic at home. Honestly, nothing says fall like the smell of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen, and these Apple Cinnamon Donuts do just that.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 tsp baking powder
  
• ½ tsp baking soda
  
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  
• ¼ tsp salt
  
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  
• 1 cup granulated sugar
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1 cup apples, peeled and finely chopped
  
• ½ cup buttermilk
  
• Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, ½ tsp vanilla extract
  

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Donut pan (6-12 cavities)
  
• Mixing bowls
  
• Electric mixer or whisk
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Spatula
  
• Small saucepan (if making glaze)
  
• Cooling rack
  

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat oven, 350°F, and lightly grease your donut pan.

Step 2:

Whisk dry ingredients, including flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, in a medium bowl.

Step 3:

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4:

Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 5:

Fold in dry ingredients in batches, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined.

Step 6:

Stir in chopped apples gently with a spatula.

Step 7:

Spoon batter into donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full and smoothing tops lightly.

Step 8:

Bake 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 9:

Optional glaze: whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled donuts or dip each donut for a glossy finish.

What to Serve With

Pair these Apple Cinnamon Donuts with a warm Pumpkin spice latte for cozy mornings or a scoop of Coconut-rum ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist. Together, they make breakfast, brunch, or snack time feel festive and effortless.

FAQ

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, store cooled Apple Cinnamon Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them before glazing for up to a month.

Can I substitute the apples?

Pears or finely chopped peaches work well, though moisture may slightly affect baking time.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.

Mom-Style Tips

• Use pre-chopped apples to save time.
  
• No buttermilk? Mix ½ cup milk with ½ tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes.
  
• Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
  
• Double the batch and freeze extras for busy mornings.
  

Morning Magic in Every Bite

There’s something magical about a warm Apple Cinnamon Donut fresh from the oven, filling the kitchen with cinnamon-scented comfort while chaos reigns around you. These Apple Cinnamon Donuts are proof that a little flour, sugar, apples, and cinnamon can create small moments of calm and joy. Share with the family, serve with a cozy drink, or sneak one before anyone notices – because moms deserve a little magic too.