Irresistible Apple Cider Donut Holes with Caramel Dip Recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of apple cider donut holes baking in the oven while Thanksgiving dinner simmers away. These little bites of heaven are my secret weapon for holiday gatherings – they disappear faster than you can say “pass the caramel dip!” What I love most is how simple they are to make, yet they taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. The warm spices and apple cider flavor pair perfectly with that rich, gooey caramel sauce. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new Thanksgiving tradition too!

Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Holes with Caramel Dip

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to donut hole heaven! I always separate mine into three groups – it makes the mixing process so much easier. For the dry ingredients, you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

The wet ingredients bring all the moisture and flavor:

• 1/2 cup apple cider (reduced from 1 cup for concentrated flavor)
• 1/4 cup milk (whole milk works best)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter (cooled slightly)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

And for that irresistible caramel dip:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

See? Nothing fancy – just pantry staples that come together to create something truly special!

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Holes with Caramel Dip

Okay, let’s get baking! These little bites come together so quickly, but there are a few key steps to get them just right. Follow along and you’ll be dipping into caramel heaven in no time.

Preparing the Batter

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F and grease your mini muffin tin really well. Now, grab two bowls – one for dry ingredients, one for wet. Whisk all the dry stuff together first (flour, sugar, baking powder, etc.) until it’s nice and uniform. In the other bowl, whisk the wet ingredients – but make sure your melted butter has cooled so it doesn’t cook the egg! The secret here is to mix wet into dry just until combined – overmixing makes tough donut holes, and we want them tender!

Baking the Donut Holes

Fill each muffin cup about halfway – these little guys puff up beautifully! I use a small cookie scoop for perfect portions. They’ll bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Pro tip: rotate your pan halfway through for even browning. Let them cool in the pan just 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack – any longer and they might stick!

Making the Caramel Dip

While the donut holes cool slightly, warm your caramel sauce. If using store-bought, just microwave it in 15-second bursts until pourable. For homemade, you’ll want to gently reheat it on the stove. Either way, get it nice and warm for that perfect drippy texture. Now comes the best part – dunking those warm, spiced donut holes right in!

Tips for Perfect Apple Cider Donut Holes

After making dozens of batches (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve picked up some tricks to make these donut holes absolutely foolproof:

• Reduce that cider! Simmer 1 cup of apple cider down to 1/2 cup for concentrated flavor that really shines through.
• Test with a toothpick – they’re done when it comes out with just a couple moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Roll them warm in cinnamon sugar for an extra flavor boost – the sugar sticks better when they’re fresh from the oven.
• Grease generously – these babies like to stick, so don’t be shy with that cooking spray or butter.
• Serve immediately – they’re at their absolute best within an hour of baking, when the centers are still tender.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have everyone begging for your recipe! For more holiday inspiration, check out familytastes.com.

Storing and Reheating Apple Cider Donut Holes

Let’s be real – these donut holes rarely last long enough to store! But if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), here’s how to keep them fresh. Pop them in an airtight container at room temperature – they’ll stay delicious for up to 2 days. To bring back that just-baked magic, microwave for about 10 seconds until warm and tender again. Just be careful with the caramel dip if reheating – it can get dangerously hot!

Apple Cider Donut Holes Variations

Oh, the fun you can have playing with this recipe! My favorite twist? Tossing in diced apples for extra texture – just make sure they’re finely chopped so they bake through. Gluten-free friends rave when I swap in 1-to-1 flour. Want decadence? Dip them in melted chocolate instead of caramel (trust me, it’s heavenly). The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Donut Holes

Here’s where the fun really begins! These donut holes shine when served warm with mugs of spiced apple cider – the flavors just sing together. For brunch, I love pairing them with strong coffee to balance the sweetness. At dessert time? Arrange them on a platter with sliced apples and a bowl of that luscious caramel for dipping. Watch them disappear before your eyes!

Nutritional Information for Apple Cider Donut Holes

Now, let’s be honest – we’re not eating donut holes for their health benefits! But if you’re curious, here’s the scoop. These numbers are estimates (your exact ingredients may vary) per 2 donut holes with dip:

• 120 calories
• 21g carbs
• 8g sugar
• 3g fat
• 2g protein

Remember, Thanksgiving is about indulgence – and these little bites are worth every delicious calorie!

FAQs About Apple Cider Donut Holes with Caramel Dip

I get asked these questions all the time when I serve these irresistible treats! Here’s what you need to know:

Go ahead and whip up a batch of these apple cider donut holes – I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below telling me your favorite way to enjoy them.

Irresistible Apple Cider Donut Holes with Caramel Dip Recipe

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• Author: EditorVictoria
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 24 donut holes 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy these bite-sized apple cider donut holes with a rich caramel dip, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the caramel dip: 1/2 cup caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, mix apple cider, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir until just mixed.
5. Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
7. Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.
8. Warm caramel sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• For extra flavor, roll donut holes in cinnamon sugar.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 donut holes
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

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