Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Donut Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients. Combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and apple pie mix in a mixing bowl. Whisk until they are fully combined.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients. Mix unsweetened applesauce, apple cider, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar in another bowl. This wet mixture adds moisture, sweetness, and flavor to apple cider.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan. Carefully spoon the donut batter into the greased pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise during baking.

Step 6: Bake. Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the donuts are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

Step 7: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Coating. While the donuts are still warm, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Step 8: Coat the Donuts. Roll each warm donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture to create a sweet and spiced exterior.