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Spiced Apple Cider Donut Holes

spiced apple cider donut holes - featured image

These pillowy soft donut holes feature a moist, tender interior infused with spiced apple cider and a slightly crunchy cinnamon sugar coating, perfect for cozy fall treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider, simmered down to half
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup granulated sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • About 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced by half, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), salt, and granulated sugar.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Add the cooled reduced apple cider, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter will be thick and sticky. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to maintain temperature.
  6. Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil in batches of 6-8. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
  7. Remove donut holes with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
  8. While still warm but cool enough to handle, toss the donut holes in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
  9. Let cool slightly for about 5 minutes to set the coating. Serve warm.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy or undercooked donut holes. Fry in small batches to keep temperature steady. Toss donut holes in cinnamon sugar while warm but not too hot to keep the coating intact. Use a cookie scoop for uniform size. For gluten-free or vegan options, substitute flour and eggs accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donut holes, spiced donut holes, cinnamon sugar donut holes, fall treats, fried donut holes, easy donut recipe