📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a donut pan. If you don't have one, you can use a muffin tin – the shape will be different, but they'll taste just as good! I once tried using a silicone pan without greasing it... let's just say the donuts put up a fight coming out.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves). Make sure everything is evenly distributed; nobody wants a bite of pure nutmeg!
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. I like to use a good quality apple cider for the best flavor. One time I accidentally used sparkling cider – the donuts were surprisingly fizzy!
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your donuts will be tough. A few lumps are okay.
5. Transfer the batter to a large ziplock bag or a piping bag. Cut off a corner of the bag and pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. If you don't have a piping bag, a spoon works too, just be careful not to make a mess.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; ovens can vary. You want them golden brown, not burnt. This one time, I got distracted and left them in for too long and the donuts turned into hockey pucks!
7. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If they stick a little, gently loosen them with a knife.
8. While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more apple cider, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. I like mine on the thinner side, so it drizzles nicely.
9. Dip each donut into the glaze, coating the top. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off. If you want, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts for extra pizzazz!
10. Enjoy your Spiced Apple Cider Donuts immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If they last that long! Pro tip: Warm them up slightly before serving for an extra cozy treat.