Print

Cozy Apple Cider Doughnut Holes Recipe Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Glaze

apple cider doughnut holes - featured image

These cozy apple cider doughnut holes are a warm, comforting fall treat with a tender dough infused with apple cider and a sticky brown sugar cinnamon glaze. Perfect for quick snacks or cozy moments.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¾ cup granulated sugar.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, ½ cup apple cider, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C) to a depth of 2–3 inches.
  5. Using a small cookie scoop or two spoons, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet.
  6. While doughnut holes cool slightly, combine ½ cup packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and glaze thickens slightly (about 3–5 minutes).
  7. Dip each doughnut hole into the glaze or drizzle glaze over them while still warm. Let excess drip back into the pan or plate. Place glazed doughnut holes back on the rack to set for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy or undercooked doughnut holes. Fry in small batches to keep oil hot. Avoid overmixing dough to keep doughnuts tender. Keep glaze warm but not boiling for best coating. Use a small cookie scoop for consistent doughnut hole size. Dough is best fried fresh and not left to sit.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider doughnut holes, brown sugar cinnamon glaze, fall dessert, fried doughnuts, cozy treats, quick dessert, autumn recipe