Spiced Apple Cider Donut Holes Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: , , ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 175  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: Fall, Winter
Description

Soft, fluffy Spiced Apple Cider Donut Holes made with reduced apple cider, warm fall spices, and a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating. These bite-sized treats are perfect for cozy mornings, festive gatherings, or holiday dessert tables and are easy enough for beginners to master at home.

Ingredients
    For the Apple Cider Reduction
  • 1 cup ½ apple cider (Use fresh, unsweetened apple cider for best flavor)
    • For the Donut Batter
  • 1 cup ¾ all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ½ baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ½ ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • ⅓ cup milk (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup apple cider reduction (cooled)
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • For Frying
  • 2½–3 cups vegetable oil (Neutral oil such as sunflower or canola)
    • For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ½ ground cinnamon
Instructions
    Reduce the Apple Cider
  1. 1
    Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce until it thickens and measures about ¼ cup. This concentrates the apple flavor. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely before using.
    2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
  2. 2
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed for balanced flavor.
    3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
  3. 3
    In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. Add milk, cooled apple cider reduction, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
    4. Combine Batter
  4. 4
    Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Gently fold using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be thick but smooth.
    5. Heat the Oil
  5. 5
    Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to 175°C. Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for even frying.
    6. Fry the Donut Holes
  6. 6
    Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, carefully drop portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per batch.
    7. Drain and Coat
  7. 7
    Remove donut holes with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
    8. Serve
  8. 8
    Serve warm for the best texture and flavor, or allow to cool slightly before serving.
Note

For a baked version, pipe the batter into a mini muffin pan and bake at 175°C for 10–12 minutes.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cardamom to the spice mix.

Always ensure oil temperature stays steady to prevent greasy donuts.

Keywords: easy dessert, fall treats, apple cider donuts, homemade donuts, kid-friendly
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/spiced-apple-cider-donut-holes-recipe/