Baked Apple Donuts

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups finely chopped, unpeeled apples
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Grease two 12 count muffin tins.
Mix together flour, salt, and baking soda.
Beat shortening with mixer for 30 seconds.
Gradually add 1 1/2 cups sugar about 1/4 cup at a time, beating until well-combined.
Beat for 2 minutes.
Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
Alternate adding buttermilk and flour mixture to shortening mixture, beating on low speed after each addition until combined.
Fold in apples.
Spoon batter into greased muffin tins, filling 2/3 full.
Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes until dark golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
DONUTS WILL DIP IN THE MIDDLE :).
Cool on wire rack for 15 minutes.
In small bowl combine the 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon.
Remove muffins from muffin cups carefully (while still warm) and roll in sugar mixture.