Why does the apple cider need to be reduced?

Reducing the apple cider creates a stronger, more concentrated flavor for this recipe. If you used 1/2 cup of apple cider straight from the bottle, you would barely be able to taste it in these donut holes. The reduced 1/2 cup allows for that apple cider flavor to really shine through!

Can I use a mini muffin pan instead?

Yes, absolutely! The mini doughnuts will just be a little less round and more muffin shaped.

Can I make this recipe into apple cider doughnuts?

Yes, you can totally make this recipe into regular donuts! All you'll need is a donut pan . The rest of the process is the exact same. Make the batter as instructed, fill the donut pan as you would fill the donut hole pan, and dunk both sides in the cinnamon sugar coating. The donut version of this recipe also requires the same baking time, 10 minutes!

How to store this recipe?

This recipe is best when freshly baked! But do not worry they're pretty much just as good any time after that. Simply store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. I recommend moving to the refrigerator for longer storage!

Can I freeze apple cider doughnut holes?

Yes, totally! Simply transfer to a freezer bag or container and place in the freezer. They will last a couple of months.

Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes

Description

Apple Cider Donut Holes are a true fall favorite! Made with fresh apple cider and a buttery cinnamon sugar coating … these oven baked mini treats are soft, light, tender, golden brown, and full of apple flavor. They’re perfectly poppable, bring the classic orchard treat to your own kitchen, and are great for a lazy fall morning. Everyone will absolutely love!

Ingredients

Scale

Donut Holes

1/2 cup salted butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups apple cider
1/2 cup milk
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1/2 cup salted butter, melted
2/3 cup white sugar
4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Set the oven to 350 degrees.
Next add the apple cider to a small saucepan. Heat on the stove over medium heat until the 1 1/2 cups reduces to 1/2 cup. The cider should be simmering slightly and will take about 20 minutes. Measure a couple times throughout to make sure you do not reduce past 1/2 cup. Then let cool before adding to the donut batter.
Add the softened butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar to a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until light an fluffy.
Next add the eggs in one by one, beating until just combined after each egg.
In a separate bowl combine the dry ingredients – flour, cinnamon, and baking powder.
Then add the flour mixture, milk, and apple cider alternately to the batter until all is combined, beating after each addition. Begin and end with the flour for the best results. Dry-Wet-Dry-Wet-Dry
Next stir in the vanilla extract.
Grease the donut hole pan. Fill each donut hole about 3/4 of the way. Bake for 10 minutes.
While the donut holes are baking, prepare your cinnamon sugar coating. Melt the butter. Combine the cinnamon and sugar.
Remove the donut holes from the oven and let cool to the touch. Then dip each donut hole in the melted butter and then the cinnamon sugar mixture. Ensure the entire donut is coated evenly.
Enjoy!

Keywords: Apple Cider Donut Holes, Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes, Apple Cider Donut Recipe, Baked Apple Cider Donuts, Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes