GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Leaves are falling, cooler weather is starting to creep in, and both pumpkin and apple products are out in full swing. Apple cider donuts are a seasonal favorite of many, and as such, the Reminder Publishing news staff decided to take one for the team and share with our readers our favorite local cider donuts.

Before getting into the review – I have to say – the last time the Reminder Publishing staff did a donut review, it didn’t go over so well. When we do a food review, we select eateries that are located in our circulation area. So, when we reviewed glazed donuts in April, we selected various local donut shops that are in towns that our papers are delivered to.

At the time of our April review, we did not cover Southwick. Therefore we could not include the beloved Mrs. Murphy’s. We were all disappointed by this – but hey – rules are rules.

The Reminder Publishing editorial staff trekked out to Westfield, Southwick, Wilbraham, East Longmeadow, Ludlow and West Springfield to review six different donut shop’s apple cider donuts.

Kosinski Farms – Westfield

As we pulled the donut from Kosinski’s out of its packaging, we immediately noticed the aroma of the Kosinski Farms donut was truly unlike any other donut in the bunch. The apple cider scent was strong, without being overpowering. We also thought we detected the slight smell of maple syrup.

Upon further examination, we noticed that Kosinski’s donut was much darker than the others, was perfectly round, heavy and thick. In addition, the donut had a thorough coating of sugar, and the spices were visible in the cake.

Though one would think apple cider donuts would all have a hint of apple flavor, we found this was not the case as we worked through our donut selections. As we bit into our donuts from Kosinski’s, we all immediately noticed the overwhelming taste of apple. We all enjoyed the sweet, apple flavor of the donut.

Staff Writer Sarah Heinonen noted that even a few minutes after eating her donut and taking a sip of water, she could still taste the apple. I agreed – the taste of the apple lingered for minutes after consuming only two bites.

Kosinski Farms’ apple cider donuts were the overwhelming favorite for the Reminder Publishing editorial staff. They were both dense and cakey, moist and delicious.

Kosinski’s is located at 420 Russellville Rd. in Westfield. Kosinski’s can be reached at 572–4344.

Mrs. Murphy’s – Southwick

With the purchase of The Westfield News Group, Reminder Publishing gained circulation in many towns – Southwick included. I announce this happily, as this means in all future donut escapades that the Reminder Publishing staff embarks on, Mrs. Murphy’s can be included.

Mrs. Murphy’s apple cider donut was easily the largest donut in the bunch. There was a grill–like texture on the outside of the donut, which was an interesting change from the other textureless donuts. Mrs. Murphy’s donuts were cakey, and also smelt strongly of spices – specifically nutmeg.

“Now that’s a donut,” Staff Writer Debbie Gardner stated. “It was very large with a tempting, spicy scent, rich color and subtle apple flavor.”

The donuts were fresh and flavorful, however we agreed that this donut was a bit more dry than the others we had tested. All in all – Mrs. Murphy’s apple cider donut was a solid donut with delicious flavor.

Mrs. Murphy’s is located at 538 College Hwy. in Southwick. Mrs. Murphy’s can be reached at 569–9076.

Rice Fruit Farm – Wilbraham

An autumn–favorite in Wilbraham (or in particular, a favorite of my family) is a trip to Rice Fruit Farm for apple cider, cider donuts, an apple fritter, or one of their delicious sandwiches.

As we pulled the apple cider donuts out of their white paper bag, the editorial staff was greeted with exactly what you would expect when you purchase an apple cider donut. The donut had the traditional golden–orange coloring and round look with a coating of sugar. Rice’s donuts were only slightly misshapen from their otherwise round appearance, which gave them a more homemade–feel than a cookie–cutter, perfectly round donuts.

Reminder Publishing Managing Editor G. Michael Dobbs claimed this was a “good, solid donut.” The staff agreed. It was a traditional take on a longtime favorite.

Reminder Publishing staff writer Danielle Eaton shared, “ The cinnamon sugar, the crisp outside, and apple flavor are everything I want out of a fall–flavored treat. I personally love the traditional cider donut, so for me, Rice’s hit the mark in that sense.” She jokingly added, “All in all, 10/10, good donut, would recommend.”

Rice’s is located at 757 Main St. in Wilbraham. The storefront can be reached at 596–4002.

Randall’s Farm & Greenhouse – Ludlow

Randall’s Farm & Greenhouse is another location that delights those from near and from far with their seasonal offerings – in the summer, they’re known for their ice cream. In the fall, it’s their apple cider donuts and corn maze.

Similar to Rice’s, Randall’s offered a similar look and feel. The donuts were very round, lighter in color, and had the traditional appearance one would expect when purchasing a cider donut.

Heinonen felt that Rice’s tied with Randalls’ donut, sharing that they were both the “classic apple cider donut.” She explained further, noting that Randall’s donut was very fresh, and both Randall’s and Rice’s donuts “felt the most like a fall comfort food.”

Dobbs explained his thoughts, “The apple cider donut from Randall’s Farms has been a staple for years and deservedly so. It is, in many ways, a model for this type of donut.”

For myself, the only qualm I had with Randall’s delicious donut was that it was heavily coated in sugar. Everyone has different tastes – some love a thick coating of the delicious sugar and spice. I, on the other hand, enjoy a light coat of the mixture. Nonetheless, this did not deter me from finishing my bites of the sweet treat.

Randall’s is located at 631 Center St. in Ludlow. To contact Randall’s, call 589–7071.

Donut Dip – West Springfield/East Longmeadow

Donut Dip is one of The Reminder’s favorites, as their East Longmeadow location is less than five minutes down the street from our office. It’s always a good day when someone brings in a box of their delicious donuts for the office to share!

Immediately we noticed that Donut Dip’s apple cider donut was a slightly darker orangey-brown and was a bit misshapen which gave it an authentic feel. There was a typical amount of sugar coating, and was notably larger than Rice’s and Randall’s traditional–style donuts. The texture for Donut Dip’s apple cider donut was cakey, firm, and dense.

Heinonen stated that she felt the donut was a win, but it was missing the apple flavor that we were all looking for.

Gardner likened this donut to their spice donut, stating that the cinnamon sugar topping “had a bit of a bite.”

Donut Dip has two locations: 648 N. Main St. in East Longmeadow, and 1305 Riverdale St. in West Springfield. Donut Dip can be reached in East Longmeadow at 736–2224 or in West Springfield at 733–9604.

The Apple Place – East Longmeadow

In addition to their apple cider donuts, The Apple Place sells ice cream, cider, baked goods, and more. For the kids (or adults looking for fun, too!) The Apple Place is also host to a corn maze.

When it comes to looks, The Apple Place’s donuts appeared similar to Rice’s and Randall’s offerings. They were round with an average amount of sugar coating. The texture was a bit squishy, which was a different take in comparison to the denser–cakey donuts we had experienced in previous tastes. Heinonen noted she enjoyed this texture in comparison to others.

While we didn’t get an overwhelming amount of apple flavor or traditional apple cider donut taste, the staff all agreed: The Apple Place’s donuts reminded us of fried dough.

My father is a big fan of fried dough. When I was younger, I distinctly remember every fair my family would go to, my dad would buy fried dough with butter and powdered sugar on top. Soon he had my brother and I hooked, and now my entire family enjoys the tasty (yet artery clogging) treat. The Apple Place’s donut reminded me of my childhood.

For Longmeadow News and Enfield Press Editor Chris Maza, he felt that the donut was greasy and a bit soggy – perhaps the donuts were left in the oil a tad too long – which took away from what was a “pretty good tasting donut.”

The Apple Place is located at 540 Somers Rd. in East Longmeadow. To reach the location, call 348–9628.