Apple Cider Donuts

Ingredients

• 3 cups apple cider
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups vegetable oil

Directions

• 1.

  Heat apple cider in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1 cup, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool completely.

• 2.

  In a small bowl, combine sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon; set aside.

• 3.

  In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, nutmeg and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon.

• 4.

  In a large glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk together butter, eggs and apple cider.

• 5.

  Pour mixture over dry ingredients and stir using a rubber spatula just until moist; cover and place into the refrigerator until chilled, about 1 hour. Divide dough in half.

• 6.

  Working on a lightly floured surface, roll dough into 1/2-inch thick rounds; cut out rounds with a 2 1/2-inch cutter.

• 7.

  Heat vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F.

• 8.

  Working in batches, add donuts to the Dutch oven and cook until evenly golden and crispy, 1 minute per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate for 30 seconds; then roll warm donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

• 9.

  Serve warm.