Ingredients:
- 4 cups (950ml) Apple Cider (not sparkling)
- 2 ½ cups (300g) All-Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Allspice
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup (113g) Unsalted Butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) Apple Cider Reduction (cooled)
- ½ cup (120ml) Buttermilk
- 4 cups Vegetable Oil (or other neutral oil)
- 2 cups (240g) Powdered Sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup (60ml) Milk or Apple Cider
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup (120ml). This concentrates the flavour. Let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the cooled apple cider reduction and buttermilk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ½-inch (1.25cm) thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Carefully drop donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove donuts with a slotted spoon or spider and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or apple cider, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Dip warm donuts into the glaze, allowing excess glaze to drip off. Place back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.