Baked apple cider donuts

I've been working on this recipe for quite awhile now.  The first was a great consistency but not enough apple cider flavor, the second had great flavor but was too puffy and light.  The third...?  Just right!  The trick was to combine the best qualities of hot oil fried donuts with the healthier elements of the baked donut.  Yeah, I know...neither one is really healthy, but you've got to admit that baked is a bit better!

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

1 c apple cider, reduced to 1/3 c
3 c flour
2 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 t cinnamon
4 T butter
2/3 c brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 c apple butter
1 t vanilla extract
1/3 c honey
1/3 c plain yogurt

Icing:
3/4 c confectioner's sugar
2 T plain yogurt
1 t cinnamon
Dash of vanilla


Preheat oven to 350 and spray two donut pans.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.  Beat in the rest of the wet ingredients, including the apple cider, one at a time. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

Use a pastry bag or spoon the batter into the donut pans until each mold is about 3/4 full. Bake for approximately 12 minutes, turning and rotating the pans halfway, and cool on a wire rack.

Mix all the icing ingredients together and spoon onto cooled donuts.