Falling for Donuts

Something that is pure fall is Apple Cider and Apple Cider Donuts.  I keep hearing about Apple Cider donuts being a fall treat - but I have never had one.  Not even at an apple orchard.  We are the "go get your apples and run type".  Actually it wasn't until last year that we even picked our own apples.  
While picking your own apples is satisfying, there is also something so fun about making your own donuts.   Watching them puff up in the oven, then dipping in glaze and some sugar and spice.  Once again I considered canceling our dinner plan for a baked good - but alas - these donuts?  Awesome for dessert!  Andy even heated up some apple cider with spices for a hot drink.  I would highly recommend this yummy treats.  No donut pan?  They'll work as muffins too.

Apple Cider Donuts
Ingredients
1½ c. cake flour (or 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour - remove 3 tablespoons of flour and replace with cornstarch - then sift 5 times)
½ c. granulated sugar
1½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. apple pie spice
½ tsp. salt
¼ c. apple cider
¼ c. buttermilk
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 egg
1 c. powdered sugar
2 Tbsp apple cider
1 Tbsp. apple pie seasoning
½ c. granulated sugar

Instructions
Combine cake flour, sugar, baking powder, spice and salt. Whisk together to combine.
Add cider, buttermilk, syrup, oil and egg.
Mix wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
Put donut batter in a disposable piping bag and pipe into a greased donut pan. (Fill until ½ full)
Bake in a 425º oven. Bake 4-6 minutes for the mini donuts, and 6-8 minutes for the regular sized donuts.
Let donuts cool for a few minutes and then remove them from the pan.
Combine powdered sugar and 2 Tbsp of cider. In a separate bowl combine ½ c. sugar and 1 Tbsp apple pie seasoning.
Dip warm donuts in cider glaze and then dip in the sugar and spice mixture.