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Tender Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes

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These tender baked apple cider donut holes are a cozy fall snack, lightly spiced and baked instead of fried for a lighter, comforting treat. The recipe features reduced apple cider for natural sweetness and moisture, creating soft, flavorful bites perfect for autumn.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider, reduced to about half
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • For coating: ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of apple cider into a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently until reduced by about half, about 10-15 minutes, until slightly syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini donut pan or spray with baking spray with flour.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and cooled reduced apple cider until smooth.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spoon or pipe batter into mini donut pan cavities, filling about ¾ full.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Cool donut holes in pan for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  9. While still warm, toss donut holes in cinnamon-sugar coating until evenly coated.
  10. Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly before serving.

Notes

Reduce apple cider slowly over medium heat to avoid burning and bitterness. Do not overmix batter to keep donut holes tender. Use room temperature eggs and milk for even baking. Grease pan well to prevent sticking. Coat donut holes while warm for best sugar adhesion. If batter is too thick, add milk tablespoon by tablespoon until desired consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donut holes, baked donut holes, fall snack, cinnamon donut holes, easy homemade donuts, tender donut holes, autumn treats

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/tender-baked-apple-cider-donut-holes-recipe-easy-homemade-fall-snack/