Get ready to enjoy a warm bite of fall with my Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Doughnut Holes! These fluffy treats combine apple cider and spices for a deliciously sweet experience. In this guide, I’ll take you through all the steps, tips, and variations to make these tasty doughnut holes. Whether for a cozy brunch or a snack, you’ll want to keep this recipe close. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients Needed
– 1 cup apple cider
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
The main ingredients create a base for these doughnut holes. Apple cider adds a sweet, tangy flavor. All-purpose flour provides structure. Sugar gives them sweetness, while applesauce keeps them moist. The egg binds the mixture. Melted butter adds richness and flavor.
Spices and Leavening Agents
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
These spices and leavening agents are key for taste and texture. Baking powder and soda help the doughnut holes rise. Cinnamon adds warmth, and nutmeg gives a hint of spice. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Coating Ingredients
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
The coating makes these doughnut holes special. Rolling them in sugar and cinnamon creates a sweet crust. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft inside. Each bite bursts with flavor, making them irresistible.
Try the Full Recipe for all the steps to create these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or use a silicone mold.
2. In a small saucepan, boil the apple cider over medium heat. Then, reduce it to a simmer. Let it cook down to about 1/2 cup. This takes about 10-15 minutes. Once done, let it cool slightly.
Mixing Ingredients
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients mix well.
4. In another bowl, mix the applesauce, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Once your apple cider cools a bit, stir it into this mixture.
5. Now, combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir gently until just mixed. It’s okay if a few lumps remain. Do not overmix.
Baking the Doughnut Holes
6. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, fill each mold about 2/3 full with the batter.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack.
8. In a shallow bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
9. While still warm, roll each doughnut hole in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ensure they are well coated.
10. Serve warm or let them cool completely on the rack. Enjoy your delicious treats!
For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Doughnut Holes
To make your doughnut holes perfect, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix, do it gently. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make them tough and chewy. You want them light and fluffy.
Checking for doneness is also key. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes. Use a toothpick to test. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If it has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.
Serving Suggestions
When serving, make them look great! Arrange the doughnut holes in a pretty bowl or on a plate. You can dust them with extra cinnamon sugar for a nice touch. Adding apple slices makes it festive and colorful.
The best way to enjoy these doughnut holes is warm. They taste great fresh from the oven. You can also let them cool and enjoy them later.
Pairing Ideas
For drinks, apple cider pairs wonderfully with these doughnut holes. A hot cup of cider warms you up. You can also serve them with a glass of milk for a classic treat.
For dips, try caramel sauce or chocolate sauce. These add a fun twist. You can also serve them with a sweet cream cheese dip. This will make your treats even more delightful.
For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can enhance the flavor of your doughnut holes. Try adding spices like ginger or cardamom. These spices bring warmth and depth to each bite. They add a nice twist to the classic cinnamon flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts. Chocolate chips give a sweet surprise, while nuts add crunch. These additions make every doughnut hole unique.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, almond flour works great. It keeps the doughnut holes light and fluffy. For a sugar-free version, use a sugar substitute. There are many good options on the market today. These changes let everyone enjoy these treats without worry.
Seasonal Adaptations
You can adapt your doughnut holes for the seasons. For fall, consider a pumpkin spice version. Just add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the mix. It brings a cozy flavor perfect for autumn. You can also swap out the apples for other fruits. Try using pears or cranberries for a fun twist. Each fruit adds its own special taste, keeping things fresh and exciting.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
How to Store
To keep your baked cinnamon sugar apple cider doughnut holes fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can also use a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to cool them completely before storing. If you leave them out at room temperature, they will stay fresh for about 2 days.
Freezing Doughnut Holes
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them! First, let the doughnut holes cool fully. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. They will taste fresh again!
Shelf Life
At room temperature, these doughnut holes last about 2 days. In the fridge, they can last up to a week. The cold air helps keep them fresh longer. But, they may lose some softness. For the best taste and texture, enjoy them fresh or within a few days. For the full recipe, check out the details above!
FAQs
How do I know when the doughnut holes are done?
To check for doneness, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a doughnut hole. If it comes out clean, they are ready. The baking time is about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them. Overbaking can make them dry.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep these doughnut holes in advance. Mix the dry ingredients and the wet ones separately. Store each in airtight containers. You can also bake them a day ahead. Just let them cool completely before storing.
What is the best way to reheat leftover doughnut holes?
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the doughnut holes on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them warm and soft. You can also microwave them for about 10 seconds. However, the oven gives better results.
Can I use regular doughnut pans instead of mini muffin pans?
Yes, you can use regular doughnut pans. Just adjust the baking time. Larger doughnuts may need 12-15 minutes to bake. Check them with a toothpick, as mentioned before. Enjoy your delicious baked cinnamon sugar apple cider doughnut holes! For the full recipe, check the main section.
You learned how to make delicious doughnut holes with simple ingredients and steps. By following our easy recipe, you can create a tasty treat everyone will love. Remember to check for doneness and avoid overmixing. Get creative with flavors or modifications to suit your tastes. Storing them right keeps them fresh longer. Enjoy your baking journey, and don’t forget to share these treats with friends! You might just inspire others to bake too. Happy baking!
![- 1 cup apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled The main ingredients create a base for these doughnut holes. Apple cider adds a sweet, tangy flavor. All-purpose flour provides structure. Sugar gives them sweetness, while applesauce keeps them moist. The egg binds the mixture. Melted butter adds richness and flavor. - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt These spices and leavening agents are key for taste and texture. Baking powder and soda help the doughnut holes rise. Cinnamon adds warmth, and nutmeg gives a hint of spice. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavors. - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling) The coating makes these doughnut holes special. Rolling them in sugar and cinnamon creates a sweet crust. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft inside. Each bite bursts with flavor, making them irresistible. Try the Full Recipe for all the steps to create these delicious treats! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or use a silicone mold. 2. In a small saucepan, boil the apple cider over medium heat. Then, reduce it to a simmer. Let it cook down to about 1/2 cup. This takes about 10-15 minutes. Once done, let it cool slightly. 3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients mix well. 4. In another bowl, mix the applesauce, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Once your apple cider cools a bit, stir it into this mixture. 5. Now, combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir gently until just mixed. It's okay if a few lumps remain. Do not overmix. 6. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, fill each mold about 2/3 full with the batter. 7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. 8. In a shallow bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. 9. While still warm, roll each doughnut hole in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ensure they are well coated. 10. Serve warm or let them cool completely on the rack. Enjoy your delicious treats! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make your doughnut holes perfect, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix, do it gently. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make them tough and chewy. You want them light and fluffy. Checking for doneness is also key. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes. Use a toothpick to test. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. If it has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. When serving, make them look great! Arrange the doughnut holes in a pretty bowl or on a plate. You can dust them with extra cinnamon sugar for a nice touch. Adding apple slices makes it festive and colorful. The best way to enjoy these doughnut holes is warm. They taste great fresh from the oven. You can also let them cool and enjoy them later. For drinks, apple cider pairs wonderfully with these doughnut holes. A hot cup of cider warms you up. You can also serve them with a glass of milk for a classic treat. For dips, try caramel sauce or chocolate sauce. These add a fun twist. You can also serve them with a sweet cream cheese dip. This will make your treats even more delightful. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. {{image_2}} You can enhance the flavor of your doughnut holes. Try adding spices like ginger or cardamom. These spices bring warmth and depth to each bite. They add a nice twist to the classic cinnamon flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts. Chocolate chips give a sweet surprise, while nuts add crunch. These additions make every doughnut hole unique. If you need gluten-free options, almond flour works great. It keeps the doughnut holes light and fluffy. For a sugar-free version, use a sugar substitute. There are many good options on the market today. These changes let everyone enjoy these treats without worry. You can adapt your doughnut holes for the seasons. For fall, consider a pumpkin spice version. Just add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the mix. It brings a cozy flavor perfect for autumn. You can also swap out the apples for other fruits. Try using pears or cranberries for a fun twist. Each fruit adds its own special taste, keeping things fresh and exciting. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your baked cinnamon sugar apple cider doughnut holes fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can also use a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to cool them completely before storing. If you leave them out at room temperature, they will stay fresh for about 2 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them! First, let the doughnut holes cool fully. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. They will taste fresh again! At room temperature, these doughnut holes last about 2 days. In the fridge, they can last up to a week. The cold air helps keep them fresh longer. But, they may lose some softness. For the best taste and texture, enjoy them fresh or within a few days. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To check for doneness, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a doughnut hole. If it comes out clean, they are ready. The baking time is about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them. Overbaking can make them dry. Yes, you can prep these doughnut holes in advance. Mix the dry ingredients and the wet ones separately. Store each in airtight containers. You can also bake them a day ahead. Just let them cool completely before storing. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the doughnut holes on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them warm and soft. You can also microwave them for about 10 seconds. However, the oven gives better results. Yes, you can use regular doughnut pans. Just adjust the baking time. Larger doughnuts may need 12-15 minutes to bake. Check them with a toothpick, as mentioned before. Enjoy your delicious baked cinnamon sugar apple cider doughnut holes! For the full recipe, check the main section. You learned how to make delicious doughnut holes with simple ingredients and steps. By following our easy recipe, you can create a tasty treat everyone will love. Remember to check for doneness and avoid overmixing. Get creative with flavors or modifications to suit your tastes. Storing them right keeps them fresh longer. Enjoy your baking journey, and don’t forget to share these treats with friends! You might just inspire others to bake too. Happy baking!](https://tossedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/024060b6-4695-41a0-ad28-0873c574a821-300x300.webp)