Apple Cider Donut Holes Recipe
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, simmer the apple cider until it has reduced to exactly 1/2 cup. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Set it aside to cool slightly. This step is crucial for achieving that deep, concentrated apple flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 24-count mini-muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or a little bit of melted butter to ensure the donut holes pop out easily after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Ensure there are no large clumps so the batter stays light and airy.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of sugar, the room temperature egg, the 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and the vanilla extract. Once smooth, whisk in the buttermilk and the cooled, reduced apple cider.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donut holes tough instead of fluffy.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mini-muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for only 2-3 minutes before moving to the next step.
- While the donut holes are still warm, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Dip each donut hole quickly into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.