Irresistible Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes: Your No-Fry Fall Favorite!
Craving the warm, comforting taste of donuts but dreading the mess and fuss of deep frying? Look no further! These delightful Apple Cider Donut Holes offer all the beloved flavors of fall in a convenient, baked package. Golden brown, fluffy, and coated in a heavenly cinnamon sugar mixture, they are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy autumn snack. Get ready to fall in love with a healthier, easier way to enjoy your favorite seasonal pastry!
Why You’ll Adore These Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes
There’s something truly special about a homemade donut, especially when it’s infused with the rich, autumnal essence of apple cider. But let’s be honest, traditional fried donuts can be a daunting task. That’s where these baked beauties shine!
Opting to bake these donut holes in a mini muffin tin not only eliminates the need for messy frying oil but also results in a lighter, cake-like texture that’s simply irresistible. You get the perfect bite-sized portion, making them ideal for sharing or for a quick grab-and-go breakfast on busy mornings. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to enjoy the classic donut experience with a touch less guilt.
The star ingredient, apple cider, lends a wonderfully robust and tangy apple flavor that apple juice simply can’t replicate. When combined with classic fall spices and then rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, these donut holes become an explosion of seasonal taste that will transport you straight to an apple orchard. They’re incredibly simple to make, requiring basic pantry ingredients and minimal effort, proving that delicious homemade treats don’t have to be complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Donut Holes
Absolutely! This versatile batter can easily be adapted to make full-sized baked donuts. For a traditional donut shape, simply transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe it into a greased donut pan. Baking times may vary slightly for larger donuts, so keep an eye on them. For precise instructions and tips on achieving the perfect baked donut, you can refer to our full-size Baked Apple Cider Donut recipe.
While apple juice can be used in a pinch, we highly recommend sticking with apple cider for the most authentic and potent apple flavor. Apple cider is essentially unfiltered apple juice, meaning it retains more of the apple pulp and natural sediments, which contribute to a much deeper, more complex, and tangy flavor profile. Apple juice, being filtered and often sweeter, will yield a milder apple taste in your donut holes. For that true autumnal essence, apple cider is definitely the way to go!
Yes, absolutely! Doubling or even tripling this recipe is a fantastic idea, especially if you’re serving a larger family, hosting a gathering, or simply want to have plenty of these delicious treats on hand. Since they are mini and incredibly easy to pop in your mouth, they tend to disappear quickly! Just ensure you have enough mini muffin tins or bake in batches, allowing each batch to cool slightly before removing them to make space for the next round. The recipe scales beautifully without any issues.
While the cinnamon sugar coating is a classic and highly recommended pairing for apple cider donuts, it’s certainly not your only option! These donut holes would be delicious with a variety of other toppings. A popular alternative is a simple powdered sugar glaze: whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream until you reach a smooth, dippable consistency. Dip the warm donut holes into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set. Other creative ideas include a maple glaze, chocolate drizzle, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
The step of rolling the baked donut holes before coating them serves primarily an aesthetic purpose. When baked in a mini muffin tin, the donut holes often have a slightly flattened bottom and a more rounded, muffin-top shape. Rolling them gently while still warm helps to shape them into a more uniform, circular “donut hole” appearance. However, if you’re short on time or simply don’t mind a slightly less perfectly round shape, you can absolutely skip this step. They will still taste just as fantastic!
To keep your Apple Cider Donut Holes fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container or a ziptop bag. They will stay fresh at room temperature on the countertop for up to 1-2 days. For extended freshness, store them in the refrigerator, where they will keep for 3-4 days. Yes, these donut holes can absolutely be frozen! For best results when freezing, we recommend doing so without the cinnamon sugar coating. Place the cooled, uncoated donut holes in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply defrost them on the countertop, and then you can dip them in melted butter and the cinnamon sugar mixture as desired.
Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Cider Donut Holes
Creating these delectable baked treats requires a simple list of common baking ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. The key to their amazing flavor lies in the quality of your apple cider and the freshness of your spices. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Ingredients Needed:
- all-purpose flour (the base for our fluffy donut holes)
- baking powder (our leavening agent for that perfect rise)
- ground cinnamon (essential fall spice, complements apple cider beautifully)
- granulated sugar (for sweetness in the batter and the irresistible coating)
- apple cider (the star flavor, providing rich apple notes and moisture)
- milk (adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb)
- egg (binds ingredients and contributes to structure)
- vanilla extract (enhances overall flavor profile)
- butter (used in the batter and for the coating)
For the coating, you’ll need additional melted butter and a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. These simple components come together to create a truly magical treat.
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Holes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Baking these apple cider donut holes is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly tender and flavorful treats every time:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your batter is ready. Next, prepare a mini muffin pan by generously coating each well with butter or cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and helps the donut holes release easily after baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients for a Flavorful Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these dry ingredients. Whisking ensures that the leavening agent (baking powder) and spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, which is essential for uniform rise and consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients for a Perfect Batter
Now, add the wet ingredients to your dry mixture. Pour in the apple cider, milk, lightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together just until the ingredients are fully incorporated and a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can lead to tough donut holes. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 4: Fill Your Muffin Tins with Precision
Using a small cookie scoop (a tablespoon measure works well too), carefully fill each section of the prepared mini muffin pan. Aim to fill each well approximately ¾ full. This ensures that the donut holes have enough room to rise beautifully without overflowing, giving them that classic rounded shape.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the mini muffin pan into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so watch for cues. The donut holes are cooked through when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the pan before proceeding.
Step 6: Roll for Shape, Dip for Delight!
Once slightly cooled, gently remove each donut hole from the muffin pan. While still warm, you can optionally roll them between your palms to achieve a more uniformly spherical shape, if desired. Then, dip each donut hole into the bowl of melted butter. Ensure it’s thoroughly coated, as the butter acts as the adhesive for the cinnamon sugar.
Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar Bliss
Immediately after dipping in butter, roll each donut hole generously in your pre-mixed cinnamon sugar. Ensure every surface is covered for that iconic sweet and spiced crunch. The combination of warm donut, rich butter, and aromatic cinnamon sugar is truly irresistible.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
These Apple Cider Donut Holes are best enjoyed warm, right after they’ve been coated. The soft interior, fragrant apple flavor, and sweet, spiced exterior create a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Serve them as a special breakfast, a delightful dessert, or a comforting snack with your favorite hot beverage.
More Autumnal Delights to Savor
If you’ve enjoyed these Apple Cider Donut Holes and are looking for more delicious fall-inspired recipes, we have plenty to satisfy your cravings! Explore these other fantastic creations that celebrate the flavors of the season:
- Strawberry Filled Biscuit Donuts
- Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Homemade Hot Apple Cider
- Gingerbread Donuts
- Sparkling Apple Cider Pound Cake
- Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Apple Pie Bread
- Apple Pie Bars
Apple Cider Donut Holes
Print
Pin
Rate
10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
24
donut holes
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
-
2
cups
all-purpose flour -
2
teaspoons
baking powder -
2
teaspoons
ground cinnamon -
1
cup
granulated sugar -
½
cup
apple cider -
½
cup
milk -
1
egg,
lightly beaten -
1
teaspoon
vanilla extract
Coating:
-
4
Tablespoons
melted butter -
1
cup
granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F degrees and prepare a mini muffin pan by coating with butter or cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and sugar and whisk until combined.
- Add the apple cider, milk, egg and vanilla and stir until fully incorporated.
- Use a small cookie scoop to fill each section of the mini muffin pan ¾ full.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through. Allow to cool slightly.
- Remove each doughnut hole and roll before dipping into the butter.
- Then dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- These can be made into full-sized baked donuts using a donut pan (adjust baking time).
- Consider doubling this recipe for larger gatherings or for a family that loves treats!
- These donut holes can be frozen (uncoated for best results). See detailed freezing and storage tips above.
- For a different flavor profile, try coating these with a powdered sugar glaze instead of cinnamon sugar.
Breakfast
American
Nutrition
Calories:
128
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
26
g
|
Protein:
2
g
|
Fat:
2
g
|
Sodium:
22
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
17
g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!
There you have it – a simple, delicious, and mess-free way to enjoy the classic taste of apple cider donuts. These baked donut holes are a testament to how easy and rewarding homemade baking can be. Whether you’re making them for a special fall breakfast, a cozy evening dessert, or a gathering with loved ones, these cinnamon sugar-coated delights are sure to be a hit. So grab your mini muffin tin, a bottle of fresh apple cider, and get ready to bake up some irresistible magic!