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Crispy Apple Cider Donut Holes Recipe Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Treats

crispy apple cider donut holes - featured image

These crispy apple cider donut holes are a quick and easy homemade treat with a unique cinnamon sugar coating applied before frying, creating a crunchy caramelized shell bursting with warm apple and cinnamon flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (plus extra for coating)
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or sunflower oil recommended)
  • Cinnamon sugar coating: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): In a large bowl, whisk together sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients (5 minutes): In a separate bowl, whisk apple cider, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and egg until smooth.
  3. Form the Dough (5 minutes): Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. Dough should be slightly sticky but thick enough to hold shape. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Heat the Oil (10 minutes): Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or Dutch oven to about 3 inches deep. Heat over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer or test with a small dough piece.
  5. Shape Donut Holes (5 minutes): Use a small cookie scoop or spoons to form 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls from the dough, handling gently.
  6. Coat Donut Holes (5 minutes): Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture before frying to create a crispy caramelized shell.
  7. Fry Donut Holes (15 minutes): Fry a few donut holes at a time in hot oil for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Drain and Recoat (5 minutes): Remove donut holes with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, then toss again in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
  9. Cool Slightly and Serve: Let donut holes cool for a few minutes. Best enjoyed warm and crispy.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep oil temperature steady. Coating donut holes in cinnamon sugar before and after frying creates a crispy, caramelized shell. Dough should be mixed gently to avoid toughness. Dough can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before frying. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free/vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil and egg with flax egg.

Nutrition

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