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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
  • ยฝ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (plus extra for coating)
  • ยผ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ยพ 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 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). 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 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) 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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