I Tried Krispy Kreme's New Apple Cider Original Glazed Donut, And Now I'm Ready For Spooky Season

There are very few things in this life as satisfying as a good donut. And I'm not talking about the type that's loaded up with Captain Crunch or has an entire Oreo on top or something like that. Nothing hits quite like a simple, classic plain glazed — especially the way Krispy Kreme does it. I think we can all agree that Krispy Kreme donuts are a massive step above other chain pastries (looking at you, Dunkin'). It's probably all thanks to the fact that donuts here are made from start to finish in-house, and if you enter the store, you can indulge in a hot-off-the-press donut (often free of charge).

Even though those fresh, hot, classic glazed are what put the chain on the map and allowed it to build its sprawling donut empire, sometimes it drops a limited-edition item that'll have you forgoing that perfect-in-its-simplicity classic. In fact, Krispy Kreme just announced a four-day, limited-edition fall donut, and I popped into my local store to get a taste of this ephemeral treat. On the outside, it looks like a plain glazed, but this Apple Cider Original Glazed was built for sweater weather. So let's follow that iconic neon sign, try not to fill up on those complimentary hot donuts, and see if Krispy Kreme's glazed donut with an autumnal makeover proves the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

To provide an accurate, unbiased review of Krispy Kreme's new Apple Cider Original Glazed donut, I stopped by my local Krispy Kreme and got my donuts early in the morning, when they were fresh. The donuts I tried weren't quite hot, in that classic Krispy Kreme way, but the employee let me know that they were prepared earlier that morning.

I ate my first donut in the store, without anything to accompany it, so I could appreciate it all on its own and get a clear idea of its flavor and texture. Later, I had another one as part of a coffee-and-donut pairing to see how it fared in this quintessential on-the-go breakfast duo.

I judged the donut based on its freshness, texture (I was looking for that iconic chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture the chain is so famous for), and how much its flavor resembled a real cup of steamy hot apple cider. I was hoping for all the things that make the Krispy Kreme plain glazed such a timeless classic. I also anticipated enough genuine apple flavor to ring in the season with a bang and give those who love fall but aren't big pumpkin fans something to look forward to. I didn't judge it based on how much I personally liked the taste; instead, I wanted to see if it could hold up to other legendary autumnal flavors and likely have fall fans fawning over it.

Don't expect a traditional apple cider donut here; this is an apple cider-flavored yeast donut, so it's far from the old-fashioned New England food you find in markets and farm stands. According to Krispy Kreme, this new fruity fall take on a classic glazed donut is infused with actual apple cider — after just one bite of the Apple Cider Original Glazed, I found this pretty easy to believe. In fact, the apple cider is incorporated into the dough, so it isn't just a delicate fruity glaze or a sprinkle of flavor. The yeast donut is finished off with some cinnamon and Krispy Kreme's plain glaze, the same one used on its flagship donuts, and that's it — no frills here.

I didn't get smacked with bright, tangy apple flavor or signature fall spices, but the apple cider taste was still robust — in time. My first bite initially tasted identical to a plain glazed donut, but the appley, cinnamony flavor danced across my taste buds in the aftertaste. I was instantly hit with that nostalgic kind of excitement for fall, where all at once I was thinking of carving jack-o-lanterns and decorating my porch with ghosts and skeletons. I can't explain why, but the taste of this donut didn't just bring to mind autumn — it reminded me specifically of Halloween.

On its own, the donut had just the right amount of fruity essence and subtle (but still apparent) cinnamon. With a cup of joe, the spiced fruit taste was even more subtle, but it gave a cup of boring black coffee all the sweetness and warming spice it needed to be extra cozy on a cold morning.

Krispy Kreme's Apple Cider Original Glazed is everything I could possibly want in a fall-themed donut. Unlike a lot of LTO items from dessert chains, this donut is simple, and that's what makes it so apropos for fall. Leave the layers of sprinkles, chunks of candy, and 10 different colors of icing for Christmas (Krispy Kreme's Elf donut collection was adorable, but very extra). This Krispy Kreme treat — which tasted just like a long, indulgent sip of fresh-pressed cider — embodies the simple, timeless feeling of fall by prioritizing flavor over an eye-catching aesthetic.

Pair the Apple Cider Glazed Original with a Krispy Kreme coffee drink (especially a hot caramel latte), and the duo could rival the most iconic fast food fall desserts. The donut had the same melt-in-your-mouth texture as a classic Krispy Kreme plain glazed, and it got even more soft and melty when followed by a sip of hot coffee.

I got my partner — a vehement apple hater — to try a bite of the donut, and he loved it. The flavor is just as cinnamony as it is appley, so it isn't too much of one thing. The subtlety and balance make this an autumn treat most donut lovers could get behind, even if they always opt for pumpkin over apple come September. And for those who love the classic Krispy Kreme glazed donut, but wish it packed a little bit more of a flavor punch, the Apple Cider Original Glazed may be the answer to your donut prayers.

I picked up my Apple Cider Original Glazed donuts as part of half a dozen, which cost me $11.88 after tax at my local Krispy Kreme. If you're looking to snag just a single donut, expect to pay about $1.89. Or, get a box of a dozen Apple Cider Original Glazed donuts for $15.59. Better yet, get a dozen for a mere $5 as long as you also purchase a dozen different donuts at regular price — you don't have to tell me twice. These prices reflect those in Northeastern Pennsylvania and may not be the same nationwide.

The Apple Cider Original Glazed donuts will only be available at Krispy Kreme between September 10 through 13, 2026, so don't hesitate if you want a taste. Since the window is so short, it's safe to assume the promotional $5-per-dozen deal will run through September 13. Later in the fall season, the chain will offer a football-shaped donut, maple cheesecake donut, and pumpkin spice cake donut (the latter is currently available), so it's not stopping at just apple cider when it comes to autumn flavor.

A single one of these cider-infused donuts contains 13 grams of fat (6 grams of which are saturated fat), 115 milligrams of sodium, 29 grams of carbs, 11 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein. One donut clocks in at 250 calories. Like other Krispy Kreme donuts, the Apple Cider Original Glazed contains eggs, milk, soy, and wheat.