Now, let’s dive into the process of creating these wonderful apple cider donuts:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a medium saucepan, reduce the apple cider over medium heat until it is about 1/4 cup, which should take about 10-15 minutes. This intensifies the flavor. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. In another bowl, combine the cooled reduced apple cider, buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
9. While the donuts are still warm, dip each one into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

I remember the first time I made these with my mother, she emphasized the importance of not overmixing the batter. She said, “A gentle hand makes the fluffiest donuts,” a piece of advice that has stuck with me through the years.