New Hampshire: Apple cider donuts

BY diyabaro@arc-en-ciel.org January 7, 2025

New Hampshire: Apple cider donuts

History: This dish is considered an autumn food through which apples have been growing in New Hampshire since colonial time as the European settlers brought apple seeds and planted them. In addition the states climate and soil is ideal for apple cultivation and became a staple of New Hampshire’s agriculture.

Symbolism: This dish symbolizes the regions deep cultural heritage.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

  • 1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/4 cup)
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Oil

For Coating:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1. Reduce the Apple Cider

  1. Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup. This takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Dough

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and cooled reduced apple cider. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up.

3. Shape the Donuts

  1. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ½-inch thickness.
  2. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out the donuts and holes. Re-roll the scraps as needed.

4. Cook the Donuts

For Fried Donuts:

  1. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the donuts a few at a time, about 1 minute per side, until golden brown.
  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

For Baked Donuts:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan.
  2. Pipe or spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
  3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly touched.

5. Coat the Donuts

  1. In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
  2. While the donuts are still warm, coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.