Apple Cider Doughnut Holes are a cozy homemade treat with warm cinnamon, sweet apple flavor, and a beautifully golden exterior. Rolled in fragrant cinnamon sugar while still warm, these bite-sized doughnuts are especially delicious during fall and apple season.
This easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and apple cider or apple juice to create tender, fluffy centers. If you love homemade apple desserts, these little doughnut bites are an irresistible way to bring classic orchard flavors into your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These homemade apple cider doughnut holes deliver plenty of flavor without requiring complicated dough shaping or special equipment. The batter comes together quickly, and each spoonful fries into a soft, golden bite with a lightly crisp exterior.
The cinnamon sugar coating adds sweetness and warming spice, while apple cider gives the doughnuts their signature seasonal flavor. They are family-friendly, halal-friendly, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
Doughnut Holes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- Neutral oil, for deep frying
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, if using. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the shortening until the mixture looks crumbly and well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture, alternating with the apple cider. Mix just until a thick, evenly combined batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour enough neutral oil into a deep, heavy skillet or pot for frying. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil. Work in small batches so the temperature of the oil remains consistent.
- Fry the Apple Cider Doughnut Holes until deep golden brown, approximately 2 minutes per side. Turn carefully for even cooking.
- Transfer the cooked doughnut holes to a paper towel-lined plate and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.
- While they are still warm, toss the doughnut holes in the prepared cinnamon sugar until generously coated. Serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
Keep the frying oil close to 350°F for the best texture. Oil that is too cool can make fried donut holes greasy, while excessively hot oil may brown the outside before the center has cooked.
Avoid overcrowding your skillet. Frying just a few doughnut holes at a time makes it easier to maintain a stable oil temperature and gives them room to cook evenly.
For a stronger apple flavor, choose a flavorful, unfiltered apple cider rather than mild apple juice. Either option works, however, making this an easy apple cider donuts recipe even when cider is unavailable.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour. Mixing only until everything comes together helps keep the centers tender.
For extra fall flavor, add a small pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the cinnamon sugar coating.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 24 doughnut holes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, halal-friendly
Notes
Apple juice can be substituted for apple cider if necessary. For the richest seasonal flavor, apple cider is the preferred choice.
Use a neutral frying oil with a high smoke point so it does not overpower the apple and cinnamon flavors.
These cinnamon sugar doughnut holes are particularly good served warm with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk.
For an extra touch of apple flavor, serve them with warm apple compote or unsweetened applesauce for dipping.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving of 3 doughnut holes:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fat: 12 g
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary depending on the frying oil, portion size, and specific ingredients used.
FAQ
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes. Apple juice works well if apple cider is unavailable. Apple cider generally provides a deeper, more concentrated apple flavor, while juice produces a slightly milder result.
Why are my doughnut holes greasy?
The most common cause is frying oil that is not hot enough. Keep the oil around 350°F so the exterior cooks quickly without absorbing excessive oil.
How do I know when the doughnut holes are cooked?
They should be deep golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the center. Frying usually takes about 2 minutes per side, although exact timing depends on their size and oil temperature.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
For the best texture, prepare and fry the batter shortly after mixing. The baking powder begins working once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, so extended storage can affect the final texture.
What oil is best for fried donut holes?
A neutral oil suitable for high-temperature frying is ideal. Canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil are all good choices.
Can I make Apple Cider Doughnut Holes without nutmeg?
Absolutely. Nutmeg is optional. Cinnamon alone provides plenty of warm spice and pairs beautifully with the apple cider.
Storage
Store completely cooled doughnut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Their cinnamon sugar coating and texture are best on the day they are fried.
For longer storage, freeze cooled doughnut holes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. If possible, freeze them before adding the cinnamon sugar and coat them after reheating.
Reheat refrigerated or thawed doughnut holes in a 300°F oven for about 5–8 minutes, or until warmed through. Toss with a little fresh cinnamon sugar before serving if needed.
Similar Recipes
EASY Apple Cider Doughnut Holes
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
Doughnut Holes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- Neutral oil for deep frying
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, if using. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the shortening until the mixture looks crumbly and well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture, alternating with the apple cider. Mix just until a thick, evenly combined batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour enough neutral oil into a deep, heavy skillet or pot for frying. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil. Work in small batches so the temperature of the oil remains consistent.
- Fry the Apple Cider Doughnut Holes until deep golden brown, approximately 2 minutes per side. Turn carefully for even cooking.
- Transfer the cooked doughnut holes to a paper towel-lined plate and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.
- While they are still warm, toss the doughnut holes in the prepared cinnamon sugar until generously coated. Serve warm.
Notes
Conclusion
These Apple Cider Doughnut Holes turn simple ingredients into warm, fluffy bites filled with comforting apple and cinnamon flavor. The crisp golden exterior and generous cinnamon sugar coating make them a wonderful fall dessert recipe without requiring complicated techniques.
Serve them freshly made and slightly warm for the best experience. Once you master the simple frying process, this is an easy seasonal recipe you can confidently make whenever an apple cider craving hits.