Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 2 cups flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped apples
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- 5 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray your donut pan(s) with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Apples: Add the apple butter, milk, melted butter, and eggs to the dry mixture. Mix well until the batter is smooth. Then fold in the chopped apples gently to distribute them evenly.
- Fill Donut Pan: Pour the batter into each donut cup, filling about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 7-9 minutes or until the tops spring back when touched, indicating doneness.
- Cool Donuts: Let the donuts cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes, then carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
- Coat Donuts: Quickly dip the top of each donut into the melted butter, then immediately twist and roll it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture so it sticks evenly to the surface.
- Serve: Pour a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee and enjoy these warm, spiced apple butter donuts.
Notes
- For best results, use a well-greased or non-stick donut pan to make removal easier.
- Chopped apples can be peeled or unpeeled depending on preference.
- Apple butter can be homemade or store-bought; for a richer flavor, the homemade crock pot version is recommended.
- Ensure donuts are cooled enough before coating to allow the cinnamon sugar to stick properly without melting off.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat donuts gently in a microwave or oven before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
