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Easy Crispy Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes with Cinnamon Sugar

easy crispy baked apple cider donut holes - featured image

These easy crispy baked apple cider donut holes are a quick, cozy fall treat with a tender, apple cider-infused inside and a warm cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider, simmered down to about 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for coating
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon sugar coating: 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Simmer the apple cider: Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook down until it’s reduced to about 1/4 cup (60 ml), approximately 15-20 minutes, until thick and syrupy.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Add brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Portion the donut holes: Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoon-sized dollops onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed and lightly golden. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
  8. While still warm, toss donut holes gently in cinnamon sugar coating until fully coated.
  9. Transfer to a cooling rack for a few minutes to set the coating and achieve crispness.

Notes

Simmering the apple cider to reduce it intensifies the flavor and adds moisture to the batter. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep donut holes soft and cakey. Toss donut holes in cinnamon sugar while warm for best coating adhesion. Use a cooling rack after coating to prevent sogginess. If batter is too thick, add a splash of milk or water. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, substitute flour and butter accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donut holes, baked donut holes, cinnamon sugar donut, fall recipes, easy donut recipe, crispy baked donuts