Golden Apple Cider Donut Holes Recipe: Fun Autumn Treats

Sweet autumn memories dance through kitchens when you bite into these irresistible cider donut holes bursting with warm spices.

Fall’s crisp breeze whispers comfort with every golden, perfectly round morsel.

These nostalgic treats capture the essence of orchard-fresh goodness in each tender bite.

Fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg swirl through soft, cake-like centers that melt deliciously on your tongue.

Simple ingredients come together to create a classic dessert that feels like a sweet embrace from grandmother’s kitchen.

Rolled in sparkling cinnamon sugar, these miniature delights promise a delectable journey into seasonal bliss.

Grab a plate and let the magic of homemade cider donut holes transport you to cozy autumn afternoons.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 130 kcal

Servings: 25

Baked Apple Cider Donut Hole Ingredient Guide

• Apple Cider: Concentrated flavor booster that adds depth and autumnal warmth, choose fresh and preservative-free cider for best results.
• Egg: Binding agent that provides structure and richness, select large eggs at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates moisture and tender texture, opt for neutral-flavored oils like canola or sunflower.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and aroma, use pure extract for the most authentic flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create soft, fluffy texture, select full-fat version for best results.

• All-Purpose Flour: Core structure for donut holes, choose unbleached flour for better performance.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel notes and moisture, use fresh and clump-free sugar.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Ginger: Classic autumn spice combination that creates warm, comforting flavor profile, choose freshly ground spices for maximum potency.

• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates irresistible crispy exterior with sweet-spicy finish, mix thoroughly for even coating.

Tools to Help With Mini Donut Hole Baking

• Mini Muffin Pan: Essential for creating perfectly round, bite-sized donut holes with consistent shape.
• Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for separating dry and wet ingredients, ensuring smooth mixing.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending dry ingredients and creating lump-free wet mixtures.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements guarantee the recipe's success.
• Toothpick: Helps check doneness by testing if batter comes out clean when inserted.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray: Ensures donut holes release easily from the pan.
• Cooling Rack: Optional, but helpful for allowing donut holes to cool before coating.

How to Bake Cider Donut Holes Easily

• Kitchen Setup

Gather all your baking tools and equipment for a smooth, enjoyable cooking experience. Make sure your workspace is clean and organized, creating a welcoming environment for your delicious adventure.

• Dry Blend

Combine your flour and warming spices in a mixing bowl. Whisk them together gently, allowing the fragrant cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to mingle and create a delightful aroma that hints at the delectable treats to come.

• Liquid Harmony

In a separate bowl, mix your liquid ingredients until they form a silky, smooth mixture. The reduced apple cider will add a rich, concentrated flavor that elevates these little bites from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Batter Magic

Carefully fold your wet and dry ingredients together, creating a luscious batter. Let the mixture rest briefly, allowing the flavors to develop and the texture to become perfectly balanced.

• Baking Transformation

Pour the batter into mini muffin pans, filling each cup generously. Slide the pan into a preheated oven and watch as these tiny morsels transform into golden, puffy delights.

• Sweet Finish

Once baked and slightly cooled, roll the donut holes in a sparkling cinnamon sugar mixture. The coating will add a delightful crunch and extra burst of sweetness that makes these treats irresistible.

Tricks for Getting That Perfect Spiced Crust

• Reduce apple cider by simmering it longer to concentrate deeper, richer flavors that intensify the donut holes' taste profile.
• Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more robust texture that adds wholesome depth to your sweet treats.
• Experiment with pumpkin pie spice or cardamom instead of individual spices to create unique, warming flavor combinations that surprise your taste buds.
• Prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and develop overnight for even more delicious results.
• Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make these donut holes accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste or texture.

Serving Donut Holes at Brunch or Dessert

• Sweet Morning Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm donut holes with a steaming mug of fresh coffee or hot apple cider for a cozy breakfast experience that'll make your morning feel special.
• Festive Party Platter: Arrange the donut holes on a rustic wooden board with small dipping sauces like caramel, maple glaze, or cream cheese frosting for a delightful party treat that guests will love.
• Autumn Dessert Delight: Serve these donut holes alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an elegant dessert that captures the essence of fall flavors and comforting warmth.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Create a brunch spread with these donut holes as a centerpiece, complemented by fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and a light cheese selection for a memorable weekend gathering.

Store Donut Holes to Keep Them Soft

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let donut holes rest on a wire rack for even air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and maintaining their delightful texture.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, keeping them fresh and crisp for 3-4 days.
• Freezing Hack: Wrap individual donut holes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 2 months – perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
• Room Temperature Tips: Keep donut holes at room temperature for maximum flavor, but consume within 2 days for the best taste and soft, tender bite.

Irresistible Cider Donut Holes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crisp autumn afternoons welcome homemade cider donut holes that bring New England comfort to kitchens everywhere. Warm spices and sweet apple cider create irresistible bite-sized treats you’ll crave all season long.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (237 ml) apple cider (reduced to ½ cup and cooled)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• ⅓ cup (42 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Dry Ingredients: Thoroughly combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of spices.
3. Wet Mixture: Whisk reduced apple cider, brown sugar, egg, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth and integrated.
4. Batter Creation: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together until just combined, then allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes to develop flavor complexity.
5. Filling and Baking: Fill each muffin cavity three-quarters full with batter and bake for 8-10 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean.
6. Coating Preparation: While donuts are cooling briefly, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the classic cinnamon sugar coating.
7. Finishing Touch: While still warm, roll each donut hole completely in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring full coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
8. Serving: Enjoy immediately for optimal taste and texture, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Activate Perfect Texture: Rest the batter for 10 minutes to allow flour to absorb liquid, creating more tender and flavorful donut holes.
• Prevent Sticking Disaster: Use non-stick cooking spray generously to ensure easy removal and maintain the delicate shape of donut holes.
• Master the Doneness Test: Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, your donut holes are perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
• Coating Technique Matters: Roll donut holes in cinnamon sugar while still warm to help the sweet mixture adhere more effectively and create a delightful crisp exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg