Hot Apple Cider Donut Holes (Printable version)

Warm cinnamon apple cider donut holes with light texture and cinnamon-sugar coating, perfect for fall or snacking.

# What you need:

→ Donut Holes

01 - 1 cup apple cider
02 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1/3 cup whole milk
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

14 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
15 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
16 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# How to Make It:

01 - Pour apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 10 to 12 minutes. Allow cider to cool completely before use.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cooled reduced apple cider, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth.
04 - Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to retain a tender texture.
05 - Set air fryer to 350°F. Line the basket with parchment paper or coat lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
06 - Use a small cookie scoop or lightly floured hands to form 1-inch balls (approximately 1 tablespoon of dough each). Arrange in the air fryer basket, spacing them apart for even cooking.
07 - Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
08 - In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
09 - While donut holes are still warm, brush with melted butter, then roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
10 - Enjoy donut holes warm or at room temperature. Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses real apple cider for genuine fruit flavor
  • Air fryer method means no heavy oil or greasy mess
  • Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish
  • Freezer friendly and easy to make ahead for gatherings
02 -
  • Perfect fall snack for breakfast dessert or coffee breaks
  • Low oil method makes them lighter than fried donuts
  • Can be made dairy free with easy swaps
03 -
  • Always reduce the apple cider fully for deepest apple flavor patience here pays off
  • Avoid overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients a light touch keeps donuts fluffy
  • Roll donut holes in cinnamon sugar while warm so the coating sticks perfectly

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