Apple cider donut holes are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, bringing a taste of fall right to your kitchen. Fluffy and warm, each bite is a delightful experience, whether you choose to coat them in a sticky glaze or roll them in spiced sugar. What I love about these little treats is how they capture the essence of autumn and the comfort of home baking. Imagine blissful mornings filled with the aroma of freshly fried donuts, inviting everyone to gather around the kitchen table, coffee in hand, ready to savor every scrumptious bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Holes (Two Ways – Glazed or Spiced Sugar)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Apple Cider Donut Holes (Two Ways – Glazed or Spiced Sugar)

Apple Cider Donut Holes (Two Ways - Glazed or Spiced Sugar)

When I first discovered this recipe, I was captivated by how easy it is to prepare these delightful desserts. It quickly became a go-to for weekend brunches, cozy get-togethers, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a splash of apple cider, you can whip up a batch that rivals bakery versions. And let’s face it – who can resist the charm of homemade treats that can be enjoyed warm out of the fryer? I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of making apple cider donut holes in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just a few steps, you can have these irresistible snacks ready in under an hour.
Irresistible Flavor: The fragrant blend of cinnamon and nutmeg paired with apple cider creates a heavenly taste that will have you coming back for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These donut holes are adorable, making them a fun addition to any gathering or breakfast table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a delightful snack any time of the day.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can experiment with different coatings, so they can easily adapt to suit various dietary preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup apple cider: This ingredient adds a deep flavor and rich sweetness; be sure to use freshly pressed cider if possible for the best taste.
2½ cups all-purpose flour: A must for structure; if you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness to the dough; can be replaced with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
1½ tablespoons baking powder: Necessary for leavening the donuts; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness; don’t skip it!
1 large egg: Acts as a binder; use a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
¾ cup whole milk: Keeps the donuts moist; non-dairy milk works too if you want a dairy-free option.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness; you can swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor; always opt for pure vanilla when possible.
Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying; canola oil is a good choice.
¾ cup granulated sugar (for spiced coating): Sweetens the crust; consider using coconut sugar for a different taste.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: A key spice that complements the apple cider perfectly.
½ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a warming flavor; fresh nutmeg can elevate the taste even further.
¼ teaspoon cloves: Provides an aromatic kick; optional but highly recommended if you like a spicier profile.
2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet coating; you can adjust the sweetness to your liking.
1 teaspoon cinnamon (for glaze): Enhances the flavor of the glaze, making it absolutely divine.
Pinch salt: Just a small amount to enhance the sweetness.
¼ cup apple cider (for glaze): This will make the glaze smooth and add a lovely flavor.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Holes (Two Ways – Glazed or Spiced Sugar)

Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, boil 1 cup of apple cider over medium heat until it reduces by half, becoming slightly thicker. This concentrates the flavor beautifully!
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1½ tablespoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, ¾ cup whole milk, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the reduced apple cider until smooth.
Blend Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are fine!
Heat Oil for Frying: In a heavy pot, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should bubble immediately.
Prepare Spiced Sugar and Glaze: While the oil heats, mix together ¾ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cloves for the spiced sugar coating. For the glaze, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and ¼ cup apple cider in a bowl until smooth.
Fry the Donuts: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, gently drop balls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding. Fry each donut hole for 2-3 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown.
Drain and Coat: Remove the freshly fried donut holes using a metal slotted spoon and transfer them to a wire rack or a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Immediately roll them in the spiced sugar mixture or dip them in the apple cider glaze.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the donut holes sit for a moment on the rack or paper towels to cool slightly. Then, enjoy them warm and fresh!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover apple cider donut holes, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but a brief warm-up will refresh their flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to check the freshness of your baking powder; if it’s expired, your donut holes won’t rise properly.
Mix just until there are no flour spots; overmixing can lead to dense donut holes.
For best results, fry the donuts in small batches, giving them enough space to float and brown evenly.
If you’d like a sweeter glaze, feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar!
Don’t skip the rolling in spiced sugar or glazing; it makes these treats extra special.
These donut holes are also fabulous when you fill them with apple pie filling or whipped cream!

Each bite of these delightful apple cider donut holes, whether coated in the comforting spiced sugar or drenched in decadent glaze, brings warmth and joy. They are simple enough to whip up on a cozy morning but impressive enough to dazzle your friends at a brunch gathering. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or toppings. Enjoy the process of making them as much as you savor eating them with family and friends!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these donut holes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before frying.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Just ensure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.

How should I store leftover donut holes?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

What is the best way to reheat leftover donut holes?

To enjoy them warm again, reheat the donut holes in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer, you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to make them too tough.

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Apple Cider Donut Holes (Two Ways – Glazed or Spiced Sugar)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Peter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 48 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Treat yourself to these amazing Apple Cider Donut Holes! With warm spices and a choice between glaze or spiced sugar, these homemade delights are quick to prepare and absolutely satisfying. Perfect for a breakfast treat or a sweet snack!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup apple cider
2½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1½ tablespoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg
¾ cup whole milk
¼ cup unsalted butter melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
Vegetable oil for frying
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cloves
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch salt
¼ cup apple cider

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Boil the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces by half and becomes slightly sticky.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and the reduced apple cider.
Combine the wet ingredients with the dry, mixing gently until no dry flour remains.
Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium heat until it reaches 375°F.
Mix the ingredients for the spiced sugar topping in a separate bowl.
Prepare the glaze by mixing its ingredients until smooth and thick in another bowl.
Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to gently drop portions of batter into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden, turning to ensure even browning.
Remove the donuts using a metal slotted spoon or spatula, and place them on a wire rack or a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
Roll the fried donuts in the spiced sugar or coat with the apple cider glaze, then return them to cool before serving.

Notes

Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve a perfect golden color.
Donut holes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days before they lose their freshness.
Adjust the sugar in the glaze and topping according to your taste preference.