Easy Apple Cider Donuts: Delicious Donuts with Pillsbury Biscuit Dough

You know that unique, cozy feeling that only comes with fall? It's the rustling of leaves underfoot, the glow of jack-o'-lanterns on a chilly night, and for me, it's also the taste of a delicious, warm apple cider donut. I love them so much, I even served them instead of cake at my wedding!

Now, I know you're probably thinking, "Donuts, from scratch? That's way too much work." But trust me, it doesn't have to be. What if I told you could make your own batch of scrumptious apple cider donuts with minimal effort and a little help from an unexpected friend—Pillsbury biscuit dough?

That's right, our good buddy Pillsbury biscuit dough is the secret to whipping up soft, fluffy donuts in no time. No need to deal with complicated dough recipes. I'll show you how to turn this simple ingredient into the star of your fall treat lineup with my easy recipe for Apple Cider Donuts using Pillsbury Biscuit Dough.

Typically, making apple cider donuts would involve a yeast-based dough or cake batter, but we're skipping all that fuss. The biscuit dough does all the heavy lifting, and in under 30 minutes, you'll have fresh, homemade apple cider donuts on your table!

Pillsbury biscuit dough isn't just for biscuits anymore. It's a time-saving magician for home bakers who want to whip up a variety of treats without giving up flavor. When fried, the dough puffs up into light, airy donuts with a golden-brown crust. Add some apple cider and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and you've transformed plain biscuits into a dessert that screams 'fall is here!

Let’s get into it!

Ingredients:

• 1 can of Pillsbury Grands Biscuits

• 1 cup apple cider

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 4 tbsp butter, melted

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Instructions:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider:

   In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/4 cup (about 10-15 minutes). Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor, giving the donuts a deeper apple flavor. Set it aside to cool.

   
   

2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:

   Open the can of Pillsbury Grands Biscuits and separate each biscuit. Use a small round cutter (or the cap of a bottle) to cut out the center of each biscuit to form a donut shape. Save the centers to fry as donut holes—don’t let anything go to waste!

   
   

3. Heat the Oil:

   In a deep pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature; if the oil gets too hot, the donuts may burn on the outside before cooking through.

   
   

4. Fry the Donuts:

   Once the oil reaches temperature, carefully place the biscuit dough into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the donuts are golden brown. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

1. Coat the Donuts:

   While the donuts are still warm, brush each one with melted butter. In a shallow dish, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. Dip each donut (and donut hole) into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them generously.

   
   

2. Add the Apple Cider Glaze (optional):

   For extra apple cider flavor, drizzle the reduced apple cider over the donuts or use it as a dipping glaze. The glaze adds a sweet, tangy touch that makes these donuts even more irresistible.

Tips for Elevating Your Apple Cider Donut:

1. Use Spiced Apple Cider:

   If you can get your hands on spiced apple cider (often available in the fall), it will enhance the warm, cozy flavors of your donuts even more. The added cinnamon, cloves, and allspice create a deeper autumn flavor profile.

   
   

2. Add Vanilla to the Glaze:

   For an extra layer of flavor, stir a teaspoon of vanilla extract into your reduced apple cider glaze. The vanilla will complement the warm spices and bring out the sweetness of the cider.

   
   

3. Serve with Warm Apple Cider:

   To complete the experience, serve your donuts alongside a mug of warm apple cider. You can even add a cinnamon stick for stirring and a slice of orange for a fragrant, festive touch.

   
   

4. Experiment with Toppings:

   Though cinnamon sugar is the classic topping for apple cider donuts, you can get creative by adding a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dip in maple glaze. You could even create a mini donut bar for gatherings, where guests can customize their own toppings.

   
   

Who could resist the sweet allure of Apple Cider Donuts made from Pillsbury Biscuit Dough? It's the fall cheat code we all need. Easy to whip up, filled with the warmth of autumn spices, and perfect for those Sunday brunches, Halloween parties, or just when the sweet tooth calls.

Post your cinnamon-sugar delights on social media and watch the flurry of recipe requests roll in. Add some spice to your posts with fall hashtags like #fallbaking, #appleciderdonuts, and #easyfallrecipes to rack up those likes and shares.

So, are you ready to add a sprinkle of autumn magic to your kitchen? Grab that can of Pillsbury biscuits and let's fry up some sweet fall indulgence together!