Cure for the Common Cold: Apple Cider Donuts
Lulu officially has Gigi’s cold.
One week of sharing safety scissors, glue sticks, water fountains and boogered up monkey bars was all it took. I’m throwing back Vitamin C like Tic Tacs. Don’t jinx me.
Sometimes I think the girls like to get these little colds. They get their own personal Kleenex boxes that they decorate with markers and stickers. Lulu’s box has a nice barrage of anti-meat messages from VegFest yesterday plastered all over it. You know, in case someone borrows a Kleenex and needs encouragement from a cartoon cow to “Love animals, don’t eat them.” Activism can happen anywhere, people.
Another perk of having a stuffy nose is the “elixir” that the girls claim to need whenever the sniffles come on: apple cider.
In our house, “apple cider” really just means warmed up apple juice with a dash of cinnamon. Or in the instance when Gigi gets to add it herself, warmed up apple juice with a crap ton of cinnamon, rendering the beverage totally undrinkable. Unless you really like cinnamon. Like me.
So with all this apple cider lying around, it was only natural I took the next step. You know, in the name of curing the common cold.
Apple Cider Donuts
Makes 10-12 donuts or 12-16 muffins
- 1 1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 c. unbleached all purpose flour
- 1 T. baking powder
- 1/2 t. nutmeg
- 1/2 t. cinnamon
- 1/4 t. salt
- 3/4 c. apple cider
- 1/4 c. organic sugar
- 1/4 c. brown sugar
- 2 T. molasses
- 2 T. unsweetened applesauce
- 2 T. vegan margarine (i.e. Earth Balance) or coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 t. vanilla extract
- cinnamon and sugar for dusting (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine flours, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt.
In a measuring cup or smaller bowl, mix together apple cider, sugars, molasses, applesauce, melted margarine or coconut oil and vanilla extract.
Add cider mixture to flour mixture and stir until just combined.
Spoon batter into a greased donut pan (or muffin tin).
Bake for 11-13 minutes, until donuts are slightly browned and firm.
Dust with cinnamon and sugar while still warm, if desired.
(Note: since these donuts are not fried, there will not be grease for the cinnamon and sugar to adhere to. If you really want the cinnamon/sugar to stick heavily, consider brushing the donuts with a bit more melted margarine or coconut oil. But the donuts have enough flavor and sweetness with just a light dusting.)
Now tell me these wouldn’t make you feel better.
Come to think of it…my throat is feeling a little scratchy.
And we’re plumb out of apple cider/warmed up apple juice with a crap ton of cinnamon in it.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Sweet and cakey. Crisp and cinnamony.
I suddenly want to go for a hay ride, pick out a pumpkin and take three trips by the “Free Donut Samples” stand. Only the stand is in my kitchen, and I give out whole donuts.
Now I just need a sticker to assure me that it’s okay to “Eat fritters instead of critters.”
Pass the Kleenex.
I’m always smiling when I’m done reading cute posts like this one. Can’t wait to make these!!
Ahhhh! You’re only the thousandth blogger to make me want a donut pan even more. I really need one, I do, but it seems that everywhere I go their either out or don’t have any what so ever. I think online will be my best best.
These look delicious and terrific for the fall season. I still have your pumpkin protein ones bookmarked to make!
You really could make these into delicious muffins even without the donut pan!
Can you really make them muffins?!?!
Oooooooooo! I may just have to try it!
Would muffins need a longer baking time, perchance?
Yes, probably. My muffin tin wells are bigger than my donuts.
Thank you! I saw these on Janetha’s blog and started drooling.
You are welcome! Love that Janetha.
i got mine from amazon! i couldn’t take it anymore. i got the mini pan and regular sized- best decision ever
Those look yummy. Does cleaning up my daughter’s barf just now let me get a pass for an apple cider doughnut? Ugh!
Will definitely add this to my “must-make -this-recipe- from-the-Peas and Thank
You-blog/book” list!!
Oh no, I’m SO sorry. If you were here, I’d give you a donut. Heck, I’d give you a dozen. Hope she’s better tomorrow.
Mmmmm, I feel better just reading this and looking at those pictures! Don’t know how you’d go with getting the girls to drink it but we have Apple Cider Vinegar both as a preventative and a cure in our house – fair warning though, it doesn’t taste anywhere near as good as donuts.
Oh, I know. Last time I had a cold I drank ACV tea and/or added it to my green smoothies. I can’t even smell it now without gagging.
I might transition this to cup cakes- no donut pan yet- budgeting for it later in the month….gonna make me some of these!
It would still work beautifully…but of course, you’d need some icing
Yeah!!! I didn’t have to wait till tomorrow for this!
Yeah for staying up late! 
Hope you stay healthy there and the girls feel better SOON!
I’m steering clear…and the girls are actually almost better themselves. Just a minor cold!
I can guarantee you that I would be feigning illness far to often if you were my Mom. Your doughnuts look much more healing than chicken noodle soup, I have to say. Way to go! And I live for a crap tonne of cinnamon.
Sorry about the sick kiddos…ugh! School starts, and so does cold season it seems with kids.
And those donuts…look…incredible!
I suddenly have a massive craving for apple cider. It’s been ages since I’ve had any and now I want some. You know, to wash down those delish looking donuts
Just a minor cold. My girlfriend’s kids all have ‘em too. First week of school blues!
I love how you write in cinnamon and sugar as “optional” just like air and wine is “optional”.
Good point.
I need to get one of those doughnut pans! Can you put any muffin batter in there and have it look like doughnuts?
Hope your kiddos get better very soon!
So yes, you can make any muffin into donuts…and any donuts into muffins. I highly recommend going the donut route though. It’s pretty fun.
It is official, I have to get a donut pan! I saw one in the store last week and didn’t get it. Now I have to go back…thank you!
I’ve never regretted buying my donut pan (my family either!).
I love love LOVE the expression “crap ton.” I use it as often as I can b/c it is so succinctly evocative!
Agreed!
I’m getting over a cold, and I think these donuts are just what I need! Thanks for sharing the recipe – I can’t wait to try them!
Disclaimer: these donuts may not actually cure the common cold. (gasp!)
My 4 year old has the back to school cough and sniffles too. He even asked to go to bed at 6:15 on Sunday night. I’m sure these donuts would speed up the recovery process. Just the excuse I need to buy a donut pan. I hope the girls feel well soon.
Oh my gosh, I think I would do back flips if my kids asked to go to bed before 8. Can your son come cough on us?
“Fritters instead of critters!” Love it. I hope your snot-nosed house heals soon.
Do you know what I remember from being sick as a little kid? Rice crackers and flat lemonade.
I love my mum. I do. But…
Wow. That’s a totally different approach. Maybe she wanted you to want to go back to school.
If my mom made me doughnuts every time I had a cold, I’m pretty sure I would “have a cold” every single day.
These look and sound fantastic Sarah!
Are you feeling okay? You look like you are coming down with something…
youre so clever. I don’t have a donut pan, but I’m thinking using GF flour and making muffins would still work, right?
Yes and yes!
AND your nails are great. sheesh!
Why thanks! I did them myself with $.99 polish from Target.
I love all the Fall recipes, this is my favorite season and I love how many recipes are floating around “blog land”to celebrate. Looks like time to buy a donut pan.
Oooh, yes, you won’t regret it!
Yum! I might have to make a GF muffin version of these. Maybe the farmer’s market this morning will have some apple cider!! I hope everyone is on the mend after eating the donuts
My GF advice: sub in all purpose GF flour for the WW pastry and brown rice flour for the all purpose and then add 1/2 t. xanthan gum. But I’m sure you’ve got your own methods.
I have every single one of these ingredients on hand.
Plus ingredients for “cream cheese” frosting.
Winner.
Oooh…you’re naughty.
YUM! I like your thinking!
I don’t even liiiiiike donuts and you make these look soooo good! What is this power you have over me?!
It’s called photoshop.
Donuts are the cure all. I’m feeling a little sniffly – care to bring over one of the activist stickers with one of these babies?
Chelsey, “Fish are animals too” and “Meat is murder.”
I’d much rather pick of a bag (batch?) of these at a Fall Farmer’s Market, vs a whoopie pie!
I’ve been thinking I need whoopie pie recipe too, though.
I hope lulu feels better, sorry to hear she got Gig’s cold : p
I now want apple cider, but after the week Im having, it needs to be spiked! lol
Have a good day! xoxo <3
Oooh, now you’re talking! Hope your week gets bettter!
These might be your best doughnuts yet.
I kind of agree…
poor kiddos – i’m so sorry they’re sick and hope you don’t get it! although eating apple cider donuts to cure yourself wouldn’t be too shabby…
So now my chamomile tea/spoonful of honey cold remedy just doesn’t seem to cut it. This is what I’ve been missing…I knew donuts solved everything!
These look AMAZING! And I’m with Gigi on the crap ton of cinnamon – her apple cider sounds like it would be right up my alley. I don’t have a cold (yet), but perhaps I need to make a batch of these donuts… you know… as a precautionary measure.
Oh yes, these are preventative in nature, too. Did I forget to mention that?
Those look delicious! I REALLY need to go get that donut pan!! We all have colds here, love the school days. Thanks for this recipe, we’re gonna need it.
Stupid school germs. Hope you all get better soon!
These look so good I can almost smell them. These look like the perfect fall treat. As is your African peaunut stew that we ate last night. Again, thank you!
Mmm…glad you enjoyed the stew. I love it too.
I’m pretty sure my next purchase needs to be a donut pan. I want a donut!
I have GOT to get one of those cute donut pans!
Finally! Just what I need to kick this sorry cold’s butt in a truly delicious way… hehehe.
Oh no, you’re sick? Get better, Gretch!
Story of my liiiiiife. Since you can do anything, can you please find me a new immune system?
I hope you stay well and I hope your kids feel better soon! Being sick is no fun. Although, if my mom made me apple cider donuts to heal me I’d probably want to have a cold!
The girls are on the mend and so far I’ve steered clear, so all is well! Thanks for the get well wishes, though!
First of all I got to say that I love your blog!
Second, I definitely go to buy that donut pan!
Third, your recipe sounds amazing!
Thanks, Kim. I’d highly suggest a donut pan. I love mine!
These absolutely are the cure for the common cold! I made these this weekend while feeling under the weather and they did the trick PERFECTLY!
Did you have a similar recipe?
Quite similar actually – just no molasses which I’m now completely regretting…
*Second, I definitely NEED to go buy that donut pan! (sorry for the typo).
Yum.
Yum, yum, yum, yum, YUM!
So looking forward to my school holidays starting so that I can give this recipe a go!
So, “Yum?”
One might think I meant yum, if you look closer you may pick up SUPER YUM
These just scream fall! Can’t wait to buy some apple cider at the market on Sat. These would be perfect fall breakfast treats. Hope the girls feel better soon…then maybe they can pass their tissue boxes to someone else to further the promotion!
Now you’ve got me thinking….maybe I need Peas and Thank You stickers as propaganda…
i am buying cider just so i can make these!
Cider or apple juice that Gigi has dumped cinnamon in?
Oh I’ve been looking for a recipe (uh…excuse) to use my donut pan! Now I got one!! Yummy! I bet my grandbrats will love them!
Hope the cold passes quickly from your home!
Did you just call them “grandbrats?” LOL!
I did!
. But in the most lovingly of tones! Ha!
I’ve never had an Apple Cider Donut. I’m jealous of all the people who get to go apple-picking at those farms that have cider and cider donuts to take home for later.
I have a donut pan but haven’t used it yet! I need to get on it. Now that I’m substitute teaching, I’m sure I’ll get a cold and will need a get well treat. Yum.
I’d just sub in GF all purpose flour for the whole wheat pastry flour, maybe brown rice flour for the all purpose and then add 1/2 t. xanthan gum to the batch (assuming you’d want to make these gluten free).
Oh dear, these look amazing. I’ll have to try and make them for my fall baking party! Can you still make them if you don’t have a donut pan?!!
Yes, you can, but you’d have to make muffins instead.
You, Gigi and I would get along. Cinnamon is good on everything! I always throw some in chili too…but I also put peanut butter and chocolate in chili, so its not that surprising.
Now THAT sounds delicious!
It IS! I’m sure you could veganize it! http://lindsayslist.co/2011/09/chocolate-peanut-butter-chili/
I can’t believe I still don’t have one of donut pans….going on my birthday list asap.
Oh yes. You NEED one.
So, these look delicious…and I was SO excited because you and your fabulous book were mentioned in my newspaper today (The Dallas Morning News)! It was in our health section and was about getting children to eat meatless meals. By the way, your cookbook is amazing and so funny!
Really? Wonderful…I had no idea we were in the Morning News today. Thanks so much for the kind words about our book
I love apple donuts!! Every year as a kid we would go to the apple festivle in October and they had all kinds of apple bakegoods and of course i loved the apple donuts the best! I cant wait to make some:):)
These are totally reminiscent!
My mouth is watering. I can’t wait to make these. Still have to get one of those donut pans! I’ll just improvise until then…… Thanks for another fantastic recipe and delightful post. Hope the girls feel better soon, but you sure know how to turn sick into fun.
Hope you can find a pan! They are great!
oh man. i think i need to make these this week! guess i need to get some apple cider.
I you have apple juice…you’re halfway there…
I need a doughnut pan SO BAD.
I just had my first cider donut of the season this weekend. I need a donut pan STAT!
Those look super delicious!
These look and sound just AMAZING. I must have one NOW
When I bought your book on Amazon, the ‘people who bought this book also bought this’ link was for a donut pan. Which of course I bought. I’m a marketers dream. I’ll be making these soon!
Their scheme worked. Thank goodness
I think I have a little cold coming on myself
Ha ha ha. (Feel better, though…seriously)
In all seriousness, I can’t wait till I feel better. I haven’t wanted to even look at food for weeks now
I officially want a donut pan! These look so delicious. I can’t wait for my apple picking trip with apple cider donuts – but maybe if I get the pan (or a muffin tin, don’t have that either!) I could make these babies.
No muffin tin? Oh, Melissa! I hope you are able to get one or the other soon!
Not only do you have me wanting these donuts, but a hearty serving of warm apple cider on the side! They look delish!
Also, wanted to tell you that I made the chocolate chip cookies w/sea salt from your cookbook – so soft and perfect! I also made a batch with butterscotch chips (no sea salt) and they were fantastic as well!
I’m so glad you like the cookies. I have faith you will love the donuts equally.
Yum! I love vegan donuts… it totally justifies eating them because vegan = healthy and I’m all about a healthy breakfast.
Soooo since I have a cold will you send me a batch of these? <3
Oh, poor thing! Hope you feel better soon!
Alright, if there was ever a reason to buy a doughnut pan, this is it.
Apple cider donuts remind me so much of my childhood. There’s an apple orchard right near where I grew up.. best apple cider donuts. Ever. Although I have a feeling yours could give them a run for their money… Looks like I’ll have to make yours and hold a very “official” taste test!
Hope your girls feel better soon!
Do let me know about the results of the apple cider donut showdown!
these look scrumptious! come to think of it, I have been feeling a little sniffly today… I think there may be a batch of donuts, box of kleenex and some couch time instead of work tomorrow!
A donut to cure the common cold. Why did I never get that idea before? Ahh…so much to be learned!
If I made these when people had colds, my husband would be sick everyday! I’ll have to make a muffin version as a fall treat for him! They look delicious.
you are evil! you just made me order the heart shaped donut pan from amazon. my kids will love you though.
Oh, so cute! Nicely done!
I don’t even like donuts and this has my mouth watering!
Lulu’s Kleenex box – too funny/cute!!
best cold cure ever! i’d love to come to your donut stand. i’ll bring the pumpkins and some animals (dogs ok? they’ll chase pea kitty a little)
hope the girls feel better soon! back to school is always rough for germs.
All of our friends are sick too…it’s crazy what that first shock to the system does with all the school germs.
I can’t wait until october…that is when I allow myself to start listening to xmas music..bring it on bing crosby!
Yes! Cider Donuts! Just what I was hoping for! Thank you Mama Pea–I am making these this weekend for sure!!
Oooh, enjoy!
Great recipe, thanks for posting it. Where can I buy donut tins? I’ve been wanting to make donuts and have looked, but no success
This one is from Crate + Barrel but you can also find them on Amazon.
Where were you when I had a cold last week? I would have loved some warmed up AJ with cinnamon. Totally better than chick-un soup.
Mama Pea! Apple cider dounuts are the boyfriend’s favorite! He’s gonna love me (you)! And vegan, which means I get to sample
I want Lulu’s tissue box. I’ll advocate with snotty vegan cartoons.
Let me know how they turn out!
Those look amazing! Josh made homemade hot apple cider this weekend, I think its only fair I make him these!
I want some of Josh’s cider! I bet it’s better than Gigi’s.
I’m not knocking Gigi’s but I doubt hers had the Ginger Liqueur and Apple Jack Rum in it that made Josh’s so great! ;p
next time i am sick, i am coming to you.
Well great. Now I need a donut pan. I’ll put that on my lsit right under the Vitamix. I’m still working on Andrew for that one. ha! These look delicious! Now I’m off to watch the cinnamon challenge.
Donut pans are an easier sell.
Just watched cinnamon challenge. I’m so impressed!
I’m so proud.
These donuts scream a lot of things: 1) Get in my belly. 2) Hello Fall! 3) I’d take one of these babies over a crispy fritter or critter any day! Mmm! Hope the girls get back to their healthy selves soon!
Looks beautiful…AND I love all things apple.
Can’t bring myself to buy a donut pan though (I’ve got the Alton Brown thoughts on one use items). Think they would work as muffins?
Note to self: BUY DONUT PAN.
Ahh! I tried making apple cider baked donuts the other day and failed gloriously. So I went ahead and made fried ones and won. Perhaps I need to get back in the kitchen.
I’m been reading your blog for awhile, but this is my first comment. Those donuts look fabulous and I am so making them this weekend.
Well, hello! Thanks for saying hi. I’d love to hear what you think about the donuts when you make them!
Not sure if you’ll see this here, but I made the donuts this past weekend (well actually I made muffins because I don’t have a donut pan…yet) and the muffins came out great. Defintely going into my keep box to make again. Thank you.
I see it!
Glad they made good muffins too!
These are delicious! Stopped on my way home from work and picked up everything I didn’t have. I made them into muffins since I don’t have a doughnut pan, but they’re still awesome! I can’t wait to take them into school tomorrow and share with my coworkers…so far this year I’ve made them cookie dough balls and PB&J Filled Cupcakes! Can’t wait to see how these go over
Hooray! You are the first to report back. I’m glad you loved them like we did.
My little Mia hates doughnuts. Can’t even stand the smell… I think it’s probably the grease? Something tells me she is going to love these..
I finally made mmmm sauce. Excellent. I used 4T of almond butter instead of almonds.
I also made the moroccan chickpea stew. The girls loved it. But it took sooo long!! I was wondering if I could slow cooker this without it getting mushy?
We slow cook it all the time! Just set it to low for about 6 hours or high for 3.
As a teacher, I try my best to disinfect the desks everyday! We are only on the third week of school and I am already hearing some scary coughs, I cringe when I hear them… ugh!
Well, thank you, Irene, for not only educating our kids, but for keeping their germs at bay!
donuts cure anything in my book
love apple cider!!! I hope Lulu feels better soon!
These look so yummy, I’m adding them to the “to try” list! I still need to christen my yet unused donut pan that I got…for Christmas 2009!!! I know, the horror!
Wait a minute. Really?!? Oh, Sarah. I’m not sure we can be friends.
I’m ashamed to admit that I bought a pair of those ever elusive doughnut pans over a month ago, but I have yet to actually use them!
This recipe provides the perfect excuse–I’m all for anything with molasses!
I can’t wait to hear what you think. Is it time to carve pumpkins yet?
I might have to forget about my tons of homework i have to do…. studying the skeletal system can wait, it needs to be replenished by these!!! off to the store to grab apple cider!!
I have a cold right now and I could deeeefinitely use one of those babies!
those look so delicious! I can’t remember the last time I had a donut of any sort but apple cider would be amazing! Good luck with the colds going around!
Love the apple cider with a crap ton of cinnamon – my 4 yo would probably love it too, since his new favorite thing is eating cinnamon straight from the jar. Who needs food or drink as a cinnamon delivery vehicle
Your kiddo needs to take the Cinnamon Challenge!
Had to look that one up…if he hasn’t formed his first lasting memory by now, sounds like that would do it. He might actually be able to do it, though…
These look AMAZING. i want a cold so i have an excuse to make these. And to buy a donut pan.
Oh snap!
I just remembered i have TWO donut pans…i was trying to decide if i should half the recipe. I think NOT. 
I will have to make these. They look like just what we need for our Halloween Party this year.
I’m generally not one that likes donuts (crazy, I know!) but these look delicious and have me really wanting one!! Yum yum!
Can I replace Agave for the white and brown sugar? Or will it not work? Will it be a different consistency?
Thanks,
Nixie
You could try, but you’ll need to add more flour so they aren’t overly wet. It might be worth playing with to see!
oh my these are yummy! will be definitely linking up to this post tomorrow on my blog – must share the cider doughnut love <3
I am 100% sure that donuts have medecinal powers. No judgment here!
I made these last night and they were fantastic. I tried out the new Penzey’s four cinnamon blend in these and the cinnamon sugar mixture. Yum! I can’t wait to make them again.
For everyone looking for apple cider, I recommend buying Simply Apple Apple juice, it tastes just like apple cider, and has the same consistency….
yum! No sugar added like in juice.
ok, one (or six) of these and a mug of pumpkin spice soul soother (KILLER recipe by the way, think you should get that one in front of people’s faces again) and i’d probably feel like i’d had a day at the spa. not kidding, food is that powerful for me.
dangit, i should have bought a doughnut pan before reading this one. guess who has to go to target before breakfast tomorrow? yup.
You’ve made me officially want a donut pan. Those look delicious.
Off to the store to buy a donut pan…
Hi Mama Pea! Had to write a quick note to tell you I finally made these doughnuts and they are phenomenal! My hubby VERY occasionally will bring home doughnuts for the kids on a special weekend morning (that’s when I have to keep chanting “everything in moderation” under my breath) and the kids said these warm doughnuts are better than any doughnut he’s ever brought home. Unbelievable. Thank you.
Wonderful! And they are really healthy too
Made these as muffins this morning using spelt flour in place of WW pastry, and they are really yummy! Actually, I found the recipe on your recipea page, and I made them without reading the original post first. As it turns out, it’s rather fortuitous that I made these today since one of the princesses is fighting off a cold. :~)
Ha ha! Hope your little princess feels better soon!
I can’t get my cinnamon and sugar to stick! So far these smell amazing. My second batch (only three) is in the oven now. I’m taking them in to work along with some pumpkin muffins from the PPK blog. I will bring them to the dark side, muahahahahaha, muahahahahaha…
You can brush them with a little melted Earth Balance or coconut oil and then it will stick!
I may or may not have just sprayed them with coconut oil cooking spray. It worked though! And I ate a piece and it tasted good! Er. I feel a little ornery. I didn’t have a brush though!
Wonderful recipe thank you for posting! Is it possible to make these without a donut tray, just using a baking sheet? I guess that would make sort of a lump of deliciousness. I’m not to concerned with the actual conventional donut shape as I am with engorging myself with apple cider dough awesomeness, and I’ll definitely lather the heck out of them with melted margarine and sugar/cinnamon.
Thanks!
I would make them in a muffin tin if you have don’t have a donut pan. Many have reported success that way!
Mama Pea…what kind of donut pan do you have, and do you like it?
I got mine at Crate + Barrel and yes, I do like it!