Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite, you absolutely have to try these Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes. They’re wonderfully tender little bites that bring together the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with the sweet, tangy flavor of reduced apple cider. What makes them even better is that they’re baked, not fried, offering a lighter option without sacrificing any of that classic, comforting donut charm. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, these irresistible donut holes are about to become your new favorite snack to bake at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes is refreshingly simple, and each one plays a crucial role in creating their signature flavor and perfect texture. From the tangy apple cider reduction to the blend of warming spices and the creamy sour cream, every element comes together to craft irresistibly fluffy and flavorful treats.

• 1 cup apple cider: Reduced to ½ cup and cooled to infuse a natural apple sweetness and moisture without excess liquid.
• 1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the donut holes structure and the right crumb.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Classic fall spice that adds warmth and aroma.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle nutty undertone that complements cinnamon.
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a hint of zing to brighten the flavor profile.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to tender texture.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the donut holes moist and soft without greasiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, fragrant notes.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
• ½ cup sour cream: Adds richness and a touch of tanginess for tender crumb.
• 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the donut holes rise and become fluffy.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon for a crunchy, sweet coating.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Mixed into the sugar for that classic cinnamon sugar finish.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Added to the sugar mixture for a nuanced spice hit on the outside.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Begin by simmering your apple cider until it’s reduced to half a cup. This concentrates the flavor beautifully without making the batter too wet. Allow it to cool completely before using it in the recipe to prevent curdling or over-activating the baking powder.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and baking powder. This dry mix is the spice-packed backbone of your donut holes, ensuring that every bite bursts with warming, cozy flavors.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, stir the reduced apple cider, brown sugar, egg, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth. This mixture infuses moistness and sweetness while balancing the spice from the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Fold the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough donuts, so be gentle. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the batter rest for 10 minutes—this little pause lets the flavors meld and the batter thicken slightly.

Step 5: Bake Your Donut Holes

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease two mini muffin pans with nonstick spray. Fill each cup about three-quarters full with batter, ensuring even baking. Pop them into the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let them cool in the pan until they’re easy to handle.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donut holes cool, whisk together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg. Toss the warm donut holes in this fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture, coating them evenly with a sweet and spice-kissed crunch.

Step 7: Enjoy or Store

Your Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes are ready to be devoured! Serve them immediately for the best texture and flavor, or store in an airtight container for up to five days to enjoy later.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes

Garnishes

Enhance your Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of warm caramel sauce. For a festive touch, chopped pecans or a sprinkle of crushed toffee add texture and an extra hint of indulgence that pairs beautifully with the apple and spice flavors.

Side Dishes

These donut holes shine alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or warm apple cider for the ultimate cozy snack. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert that feels special but isn’t fussy at all.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or fall gatherings, place the Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes in a decorative bowl lined with a festive napkin and let guests help themselves. If you’re feeling crafty, thread them onto skewers alternating with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming autumn-inspired display everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days — perfect for enjoying a little sweet treat throughout the week without any extra work.

Freezing

If you want to keep these donut holes longer, freeze them on a baking sheet first until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together and can be frozen for up to three months, so you always have a bite-sized fall treat on hand.

Reheating

To revive your Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes, simply warm them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes or microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings back their soft, cozy texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple juice instead of apple cider?

Fresh apple juice doesn’t have the same full-bodied flavor or spice notes as apple cider, so it won’t provide the same depth. For the best results, stick with good-quality apple cider for that signature tangy sweetness.

Why do the donut holes need to rest before baking?

Resting the batter allows the flour to hydrate and the chemical leaveners to start working, which helps create a lighter, fluffier texture in your baked donut holes.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture light and cohesive.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips after combining the wet and dry ingredients for an extra flavor and texture boost. Just keep the additions moderate, about ¼ cup, to maintain the batter balance.

Are these donut holes suitable for meal prep?

They definitely are! Thanks to their make-ahead nature and freezer-friendly quality, these donut holes are perfect for prepping snacks or breakfasts in advance, making cozy mornings or on-the-go treats super easy.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, once you make these Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re the perfect way to catch that warm, cozy feeling of fall anytime you want. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself baking these sweet, spiced bites again and again to share with friends, family, or simply to enjoy alongside your favorite cup of something warm.

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