![- 1 cup apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar (divided) - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus additional for rolling) - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 large egg, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling) Apple cider is the star here. It gives flavor and moisture to the doughnut holes. Reducing it concentrates the taste, making each bite a burst of apple goodness. All-purpose flour provides the base structure. It helps the doughnut holes rise and stay fluffy. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps achieve that lovely cinnamon sugar crust. Baking powder and baking soda are leaveners. They create bubbles when heated, making the doughnut holes light and airy. Other important players include ground cinnamon and nutmeg. They add warmth and spice, perfect for fall. Applesauce keeps the doughnut holes moist without adding extra fat. The egg binds everything together, while vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma. Lastly, melted butter enriches the doughnut holes, making them tender. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice. It won’t be as rich but works in a pinch. For a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free flour blend. You can swap unsweetened applesauce with mashed banana or yogurt for a different flavor. If you’re out of granulated sugar, brown sugar can add a deeper flavor. Lastly, for a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter. First, you need to set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Lightly grease a mini muffin pan or use a silicone mold. This helps the doughnut holes pop out easily after baking. Next, pour your apple cider into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it gently boils. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You want the cider to reduce to about 1/2 cup. Afterward, remove it from the heat and let it cool a bit. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure they blend well. In another bowl, mix the applesauce, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Once the reduced apple cider cools slightly, add it to the wet ingredients. Mix everything until it is well combined. Now, gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula, but don't overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to fill each mold about two-thirds full. Bake them for 10-12 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Let the doughnut holes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack. While the doughnut holes cool, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the doughnut holes are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This adds a sweet touch. Serve them warm or let them cool. Enjoy every bite of these baked cinnamon sugar apple cider doughnut holes! For the full recipe, refer back to the main section. For the best doughnut holes, use fresh apple cider. It adds a rich taste. Reduce the cider well for a concentrated flavor. I often let it simmer until it thickens slightly. This gives your doughnut holes a delightful apple punch. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor. When mixing wet and dry, stir gently. Overmixing makes them tough, which we want to avoid. To bake evenly, fill each mold two-thirds full. This helps them rise properly. If you use a mini muffin pan, rotate it halfway through baking. This step ensures even heat. A toothpick test is key. Insert it in the center; it should come out clean. If it’s sticky, give them a few more minutes. Store any leftover doughnut holes in an airtight container. They stay fresh for a few days at room temperature. If you want them crispy again, warm them briefly in the oven. You can also freeze them for later. Just place cooled doughnut holes in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. When ready, thaw and warm them. Enjoy them fresh like the day you made them! For the full recipe, check it out [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can make these doughnut holes even sweeter with a tasty glaze. A simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk works well. Just mix one cup of powdered sugar with two tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle this over your doughnut holes for a lovely finish. You can also add vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor. If you prefer frosting, a cream cheese frosting pairs nicely. Just blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla for a rich topping. Feel free to get creative with flavors! Try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrus twist. You can also use other spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique taste. Another option is to mix in chocolate chips or nuts, like walnuts or pecans. These additions can make your doughnut holes more exciting and personal. If you need gluten-free doughnut holes, use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to adjust the liquid as needed since these flours absorb moisture differently. For vegan options, you can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes. Replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. These swaps help everyone enjoy these delicious treats! For the full recipe, check out the section above. To make your baked cinnamon sugar apple cider doughnut holes shine, choose a beautiful bowl or plate. Arrange the doughnut holes in a circle or pyramid shape. This adds a nice touch. Dust them with extra cinnamon sugar to catch the eye. Add fresh apple slices around the doughnuts for color and freshness. These doughnut holes go well with many drinks. Hot apple cider enhances the apple flavor. A cup of coffee or chai tea also pairs nicely. For a fun twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It creates a tasty dessert combo that everyone will love. At your next party, serve these doughnut holes in mini paper bags. This makes for a cute, grab-and-go treat. You can also create a doughnut hole bar. Offer different toppings like chocolate sauce or sprinkles. Encourage guests to personalize their doughnut holes for added fun. You can make the doughnut holes in advance. After baking, let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about two days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, put them in the fridge for up to a week. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. Leftover apple cider has many uses. You can make a warm apple cider drink by heating it with spices. Use it in pancakes or waffles for added flavor. You can also add it to marinades for meats. Another fun idea is to freeze it in ice cube trays. These cubes can spice up your drinks later! Yes, you can freeze baked doughnut holes. Allow them to cool down first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them up in the oven. Yes, this recipe contains common allergens. It has wheat (from flour), eggs, and dairy (from butter). If you are allergic to any of these, you can make swaps. Use gluten-free flour for wheat, applesauce for eggs, and a dairy-free butter alternative. Always check labels for hidden allergens. To check if the doughnut holes are baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are done. The doughnut holes should feel firm to the touch. If they are still doughy, bake them for an extra minute or two. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. This article covered how to make tasty apple cider doughnut holes. You learned about the key ingredients, preparation steps, and useful tips for great texture. We explored fun variations and serving ideas, ensuring every bite is special. Now, you have all the tools to create your own delicious treats. Enjoy baking and sharing your doughnut holes with friends and family!](https://tastednest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/024060b6-4695-41a0-ad28-0873c574a821-300x300.webp)
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Doughnut Holes
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Doughnut Holes! Made with warm apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these soft, fluffy treats are rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating for the perfect bite. Great for brunch or a cozy snack, they're easy to make and sure to impress! Click through to explore the full recipe and bring the taste of autumn to your kitchen!