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Easy Baked Apple Cider Donuts

These Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes are a cozy fall treat packed with warm spices and rich apple flavor. Lightly coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re easy to make and perfect for crisp mornings or autumn gatherings.
Course Breakfast
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients

For the Donut Holes

  • 1 cup apple cider This will be reduced to 1/4 cup.
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup milk can substitute for non-dairy milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 6 tbsp melted butter for dipping

Instructions

  • Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce it down to about ¼ cup (this intensifies the flavor). Set aside to cool.
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan to form the donut holes.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the applesauce, milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and cooled apple cider reduction. Mix until combined.
  • Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
  • Fill and Bake: Fill each mini muffin cup about ¾ full. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Coat the Donut Holes: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Once the donut holes are slightly cooled but still warm, dip each in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
  • Serving: Serve warm and enjoy these fluffy, flavorful donut holes with a cup of cider or coffee!
  • Tips: Make sure to reduce the apple cider for a more concentrated flavor. You can store the donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.