Apple Cider Donut Holes

Apple Cider Donut Holes are a warm, tender, and flavorful treat that capture the essence of autumn. Infused with the natural sweetness and subtle tang of apple cider, these bite-sized donuts are coated in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack with coffee or hot cider.

These donut holes are soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and packed with comforting fall flavors that make every bite irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both nostalgic and simple to make. It evokes the cozy feeling of fall, the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, and the joy of enjoying freshly fried or baked donut holes warm from the pan.

They’re easy to customize with different coatings or glazes, and the bite-sized portions make them perfect for sharing or indulging without guilt. Unlike store-bought donuts, these are fresh, flavorful, and made with wholesome ingredients you can control.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it transforms a simple ingredient—apple cider—into a delicious, tender treat that’s bursting with flavor. The donut holes are perfect for seasonal gatherings, fall festivals, brunches, or just a weekend treat at home.

Their small size makes them fun to eat, and the cinnamon-sugar coating adds the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. They are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor, making them an unforgettable autumn snack.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 25–27 minutes
• Servings: 24 donut holes
• Calories: ~120 kcal per donut hole
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Snack / Dessert / Breakfast

Ingredients

For the Donut Holes:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: melted butter for brushing

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Reduce apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until concentrated to about 1/4 cup. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cooled apple cider reduction.
4. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying (or preheat oven if baking).
6. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough into hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Toss warm donut holes in cinnamon-sugar coating or brush lightly with melted butter first for extra adhesion.
8. Serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

1. Reduce Apple Cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup. Allow to cool to room temperature.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and cooled apple cider reduction. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep donuts tender.
5. Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). If baking, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Fry Donut Holes: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough into hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7. Coat Donut Holes: While still warm, toss donut holes in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. Optionally, brush with melted butter before coating for extra richness.
8. Serve: Serve immediately for the best texture, or keep warm in a low oven until ready to enjoy.

How to Serve

• Serve warm on a platter with coffee, tea, or hot apple cider.
• Arrange in a bowl for parties or brunch gatherings.
• Drizzle with glaze or chocolate for an indulgent variation.
• Perfect for fall festivals, Halloween treats, or family breakfasts.

Additional Recipe Tips

Do not overmix the batter to ensure tender, fluffy donut holes.

• Reduce the apple cider slowly over medium heat to concentrate flavor without burning.
• Keep oil at the correct temperature for frying to avoid soggy or burnt donut holes.
• Toss donut holes in cinnamon-sugar while warm so it adheres properly.

Variations

• Glazed Apple Cider Donut Holes: Drizzle with simple powdered sugar glaze instead of cinnamon sugar.
• Baked Version: Drop dough onto a greased baking sheet or mini muffin tin and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip cooled donut holes into melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
• Spiced Apple: Add ground cloves or allspice for extra autumn spice.
• Caramel Apple: Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet and tangy variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven for 5–7 minutes before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan for reducing apple cider
• Large mixing bowls
• Deep pan or fryer for frying (or baking sheet if baking)
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels for draining
• Spatula or spoon for tossing in coating

FAQs

Q1: Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, drop dough into greased muffin tins or on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

Q2: Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use plant-based butter and flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxmeal + 3 tbsp water per egg).

Q3: Can I use store-bought apple cider reduction?
You can, but reducing fresh apple cider intensifies flavor and sweetness naturally.

Q4: How do I prevent donut holes from being greasy?
Ensure oil is at 350°F and drain well on paper towels.

Q5: Can I add extra spices?
Yes! Ground cloves, ginger, or allspice pair wonderfully with apple cider.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Donut Holes are a cozy, bite-sized treat that captures the essence of fall with tender, flavorful dough, warm spices, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or holiday gatherings, these donut holes are easy to make, fun to eat, and utterly addictive. Whether fried or baked, they bring the comforting taste of autumn to your kitchen with every bite.