As the leaves turn and autumn embraces us, there’s an undeniable allure to baking that captures the cozy spirit of the season. Imagine the delightful aroma of warm apple cider wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the sweet scent of cinnamon as you prepare these Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts. Inspired by the fluffy texture of Hawaiian sweet rolls, these donuts are not only incredibly simple to make but also embody the essence of fall in every bite.
I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those crisp October afternoons when a fragrant batch of donuts felt just right. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a quiet moment, these treats promise a soft, pillowy experience topped with a spiced sugar glaze that will make your taste buds dance. And the best part? You can easily adapt them to suit various dietary needs, making them a crowd-pleasing addition to any table. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to share!
Why will you love Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts?
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet combination of apple cider and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering experience that screams fall.
Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delightful donuts that come together quickly, perfect for busy bakers.
Diet-Friendly: These donuts are versatile, offering options for vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar diets, making everyone at the table happy.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Serve them at gatherings or as a cozy afternoon snack; they’re sure to impress friends and family alike!
Baking with Love: Not only do they taste great, but making these homemade delights brings a warm, comforting vibe to your kitchen.
Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts Ingredients
Get ready to bake these delightful treats!
For the Batter
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – Provide structure and sweetness; substitute with brioche or dinner rolls for similar texture.
- Apple Cider – Adds rich, tangy flavor; reduce to ½ cup to concentrate sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter (melted) – Adds moisture and richness; use plant-based margarine for a vegan option.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the donuts; consider reducing for a lower sugar content.
- Ground Cinnamon – Provides warmth and spice; increase for a spicier flavor.
- Powdered Sugar – Essential for glazing the donuts.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Milk – Creates a smooth glaze; swap with dairy-free milk for a vegan version.
For the Glaze
- Optional Add-ins (e.g., nuts, sprinkles, caramel drizzle) – Enhance flavor and presentation for your apple cider Hawaiian roll donuts.
How to Make Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts
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Prepare Apple Cider: Simmer 1 cup of apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to ½ cup. Allow it to cool completely for enhanced sweetness.
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Cut Donut Shapes: Using a round cutter, carefully cut the Hawaiian sweet rolls into donut shapes. Keep the holes to enjoy as well!
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Coat Donut Pieces: Brush each donut piece with melted butter, then roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until fully coated.
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Bake: Place the coated donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and fluffy.
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Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm donuts for a delightful finish.
Optional: Top with chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles for added flair and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts?
Cozy up your fall gatherings with delightful pairings that enhance the warmth and sweetness of these fluffy treats.
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Hot Coffee: A classic companion, the rich flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweet, spiced donuts, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai create a comforting pairing, highlighting the cozy essence of autumn and complementing the flavors of the donuts.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving these donuts warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy, cool contrast and heightens the indulgence of your dessert experience.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can elevate each bite, providing a fluffy and rich texture that beautifully balances the spiced glaze.
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Apple Cider Mimosa: For a festive touch, mix apple cider with sparkling wine for a bubbly drink that matches the sweet and tart notes of the donuts.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness and a hint of earthiness that pairs wonderfully with the apple and cinnamon flavors.
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Candied Nuts: Crunchy candied nuts bring a sweet, crunchy texture that complements the tender softness of the donuts and adds a delightful surprise with every bite.
Expert Tips for Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts
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Choose Quality Cider: Using high-quality apple cider elevates the flavor of your donuts, ensuring a rich and tangy sweetness.
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Cool Before Glazing: Allow the donuts to cool slightly after baking; glancing them while warm may result in a messy finish.
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Fry for Crispiness: For a crunchy exterior, consider frying the baked donuts briefly in oil; they turn out delightfully crispy without losing their soft center.
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Prep Ahead: Assemble uncooked donuts earlier and glaze them just before serving to maintain freshness and enhance the experience.
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Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to add personal touches with nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of caramel for unique flavors in your apple cider Hawaiian roll donuts!
Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your donuts with these fun and tasty twists!
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Hawaiian rolls or a gluten-free bread mix for a delightful alternative.
- Vegan Delight: Replace the milk and butter with plant-based options for a completely vegan treat.
- Maple Sweetness: Swap granulated sugar for maple syrup to introduce a rich, warm flavor profile.
- Fruit Fusion: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins or apples for added texture and bursts of sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for a surprising spicy twist that balances sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to enhance the texture and flavor of your donuts.
- Zesty Addition: Include orange or lemon zest in the glaze for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens up each bite.
- Chocolaty Bliss: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for a luxurious touch that pairs beautifully with the apple cider flavor.
Embrace the season and make these donuts your own – your taste buds will thank you!
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts are perfect for busy home cooks seeking to save time! You can prepare the donut shapes and coat them in butter and cinnamon sugar up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate the uncooked donut pieces in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake the donuts straight from the fridge at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown. For the glaze, mix the ingredients just before serving for the best texture; it adds an irresistible finish to these tasty treats. This way, you’ll have delightful, homemade donuts ready with minimal effort at your next gathering!
Storage Tips for Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts
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Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their fluffy texture and flavor.
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Fridge: If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped apple cider Hawaiian roll donuts for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
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Reheating: To restore their softness, reheat donuts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes, avoiding the microwave to prevent sogginess.
Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of apple cider should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! I recommend using high-quality apple cider with no added sugars or preservatives. Fresh-pressed cider will give your donuts the rich, tangy flavor that truly embodies fall. If you can find it at a local orchard or farmer’s market, that’s even better!
How should I store leftover Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts?
Very! Store the leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for the best experience. If you have some that need to last longer, simply refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just remember, make sure they are completely cooled before you cover them!
Can I freeze these donuts, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts, first allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, remove them from the freezer, and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
What should I do if my donuts don’t rise as expected?
Sometimes, the dough may not rise as much as you’d like due to several factors. Make sure your Hawaiian rolls are fresh and that you’re accurately measuring the apple cider and sugar during preparation. If your donuts aren’t puffing up while baking, they might need a minute or two longer in the oven—keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Also, ensure your oven is preheated properly, as this can affect the final texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for these donuts?
Yes! These Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts can easily cater to various dietary preferences. For a vegan option, replace the unsalted butter with plant-based margarine and use dairy-free milk. You can also opt for gluten-free bread rolls if needed. Additionally, if you want a lower sugar version, consider substituting granulated sugar with maple syrup or stevia, adjusting quantities to taste.
Apple Cider Hawaiian Roll Donuts for Cozy Fall Moments
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Simmer 1 cup of apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to ½ cup. Allow it to cool completely for enhanced sweetness.
- Using a round cutter, carefully cut the Hawaiian sweet rolls into donut shapes. Keep the holes to enjoy as well!
- Brush each donut piece with melted butter, then roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until fully coated.
- Place the coated donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and fluffy.
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm donuts for a delightful finish.