There’s something about cinnamon and apples that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. These Apple Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Topping are exactly that—crispy, golden apple rings wrapped in a light, fluffy batter and tossed in a sweet, spiced sugar coating. Whether you’re cozying up for a chilly weekend morning or looking for a fun kitchen activity with the kids, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with that comforting fall flavor we all love.

But here’s the best part: you don’t need any fancy donut equipment. Just a few pantry staples, fresh apples, and a skillet. The end result? A batch of irresistible treats that come together quickly and disappear even faster.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making donuts at home might sound complicated—but trust me, these are anything but. This recipe keeps things easy, approachable, and most importantly, delicious.

Key Benefits

• Quick and simple – You can whip these up in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Incredible texture – The apples soften just enough while frying, giving you a tender center with a crisp, golden shell.

• Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for family breakfasts, school snacks, or cozy fall parties.

• Customizable – You can fry them, bake them, glaze them, or dust them with extra cinnamon—whatever you like.

Suitable For

• Beginner bakers – No yeast, no rising time, no stress.

• Busy families – Kids love helping dip and toss these in sugar.

• Seasonal gatherings – Think Halloween, Thanksgiving, or even Sunday brunch.

• Dietary tweaks – You can easily make these dairy-free or gluten-free with simple swaps.

Ingredients for Apple Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Let’s break down what you’ll need to make these fall favorites. The good news? Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry.

Core Ingredients

• Apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully here. Their firmness holds up to frying, and their flavor balances perfectly with the cinnamon sugar.

• All-purpose flour – The base of our batter.

• Granulated sugar – A little for the batter, and a lot for the topping.

• Baking powder – This gives the batter a bit of puff.

• Salt and cinnamon – A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness, and cinnamon is the star of the show.

• Milk – Helps create a smooth, pourable batter.

• Egg – Binds everything together.

• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.

• Oil – For frying. Vegetable or canola oil work best.

• Topping mix – A blend of cinnamon and sugar that makes each bite sparkle.

Substitutions and Tips

• Apples – Don’t have Granny Smith? Fuji or Pink Lady will do in a pinch. Avoid overly soft apples—they’ll fall apart in the oil.

• Flour – You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum.

• Milk – Swap with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

• Spices – Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a twist.

Best Apples for Apple Donuts

The apple is more than just a vehicle here—it’s the star. So choosing the right one matters.

Granny Smith

These are crisp, tart, and hold their shape beautifully when cooked. The tartness also balances out the sweet sugar coating. They’re a go-to for a reason.

Honeycrisp

If you prefer something a little sweeter and juicier, Honeycrisp is a fantastic option. They stay firm and add a subtle burst of natural sweetness.

Avoid These

Skip apples like Red Delicious or McIntosh. They’re too soft and tend to get mushy during cooking.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make these. In fact, that’s part of the charm.

Must-Have Tools

• Apple corer or cookie cutter – To remove the core and make that signature donut shape.

• Mixing bowls – One for dry ingredients, one for wet.

• Frying pan or skillet – Any heavy-bottomed pan will do.

• Slotted spoon or tongs – For flipping and removing donuts from the oil.

• Paper towels – For draining off excess oil.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Candy or oil thermometer – To make sure your oil hits and stays at 350°F.

• Wire cooling rack – Helps keep your donuts crisp as they cool.

• Pastry brush – If you want to brush melted butter on your baked version before tossing in sugar.

How to Make Apple Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Let’s get to the good part—actually making these cozy, crispy apple donuts. Don’t worry if you’ve never fried anything before. I’ll walk you through each step like we’re in the kitchen together, and you’ll have warm, sugar-dusted treats on the table in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start with two large apples—Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are your best bet. Peel them if you’d like a softer bite, or leave the skin on for a little extra texture and color.

Slice the apples into ¼-inch thick rings. The thickness is important here—you want them thick enough to hold their shape but thin enough to cook through quickly.

Now, use a small round cutter or an apple corer to punch out the center of each ring. And just like that, you’ve got donut shapes.

Tip: If your apples are very juicy, pat the slices dry with a paper towel before dipping them in the batter. This helps the batter stick better.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:

• ½ cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Now pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. You’re looking for a smooth, pourable batter—think pancake batter consistency. Don’t overmix or you might end up with tough donuts.

Tip: If the batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk. If too runny, sprinkle in a bit more flour.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour about ½ inch of oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep pan. You want enough oil for the donuts to float and fry evenly.

Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dipping the handle of a wooden spoon into the oil—if bubbles form around it, you’re ready to fry.

Tip: Keep the oil at a steady temperature by adjusting the heat as needed between batches. Too hot, and your donuts will burn before the apple cooks. Too cool, and they’ll soak up oil and turn greasy.

Step 4: Dip and Fry

Dip each apple ring into the batter, coating it fully, and let any excess drip off. Gently lower it into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches so each donut has room to sizzle.

Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Flip carefully with tongs or a slotted spoon. Once cooked, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Tip: If the batter gets too thick while sitting, give it a quick stir or add a tiny splash of milk to loosen it up.

Step 5: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts are still warm (but not too hot to handle), toss them in a shallow bowl of cinnamon sugar. This is where the magic happens. The warmth helps the sugar stick, creating that classic crispy-sweet coating.

To make the topping, simply mix:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Roll the donuts around until every edge is coated. That’s it. They’re ready.

Optional indulgence: If you’re feeling extra, a drizzle of caramel or a dip in cream cheese glaze takes these over the top.

Tips for Success

• Keep the oil steady – Monitor the heat and take your time between batches. If the oil drops too low, your donuts will turn soggy instead of crisp.

• Don’t overmix the batter – A few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten and can make your donuts dense.

• Use the right apples – Firm, crisp apples hold up best to frying and give the perfect bite.

• Work quickly after frying – Toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm so the coating sticks.

How to Store Apple Donuts

These are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the skillet. But if you do have leftovers (you’re lucky!), here’s how to keep them.

At Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day. They’ll lose some crispness but still taste great.

In the Refrigerator

Keep them chilled for up to 3 days. To bring them back to life, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes.

Freezing Tips

Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until warmed through and lightly crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, absolutely. Place the battered apple rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with melted butter before tossing in cinnamon sugar for that classic finish.

What kind of oil should I use?

Stick with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Avoid anything with a strong flavor, like olive oil.

How do I keep the donuts from getting soggy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough and don’t stack the donuts while they cool. Drain them on a wire rack or paper towel to let excess oil drip off.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour works well. Just make sure it has a binder like xanthan gum for best results.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved these apple donuts, you might also enjoy these other cozy and sweet recipes:

• Crock Pot Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole: A rich, gooey cinnamon apple breakfast bake.

• Apple Spice Pancakes: Warm and fluffy pancakes with a spiced apple twist.

• Cinnamon Rolls Apple Pie Filling Recipe: An easy dessert that tastes like apple pie meets cinnamon roll.

• Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (No Yeast): A quick version of the classic cinnamon roll, perfect with a side of apple donuts.

• Peach Pie Cinnamon Rolls: Sweet, fruity, and spiced—ideal for brunch spreads.

Conclusion

These apple donuts are everything you want in a fall treat—warm, crunchy, sweet, and just the right amount of nostalgic. They’re easy enough for a weekday snack, but special enough to serve for a holiday brunch or dessert.

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