Apple Cinnamon Baked Donut Holes

This is an easy apple cinnamon baked donut holes recipe that will give you your fall fix without a donut pan! These little guys are a mix of a baked donut and a mini muffin, making them a treat that simply melts-in-your-mouth.

With a hint of homemade apple cider flavor, these apple infused donut holes are simply delicious. They are perfect for fall and beyond!

Each fall I look forward to going to apple orchards and pumpkin patches for lots of fall fun and of course, apple cider donuts! I tweaked one of my favorite recipes (meltaway mini muffins) to recreate this fall favorite without the fuss.

These little donut holes are quick, easy, bite-sized goodness and eliminate the need for a donut pan! For the ultimate fall experience, dip them in caramel sauce!

I love baking with apples in the fall! In fact, I have a complete Apple Recipe Guide filled to the brim with the most incredible apple recipes. It’s totally free – don’t skip it!

Apple Cinnamon Donut Holes

If you love these cute little donut holes for fall, don’t miss these adorable Christmas Donuts!

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Flour – Use all-purpose flour. My favorite brands are Pillsbury or Gold’s Medal.
• Sugar – Granulated white sugar is both for the dough and the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Baking Powder – Use a double-acting baking powder. This is what gives these baked donut muffins their lift.
• Cinnamon – A sweet, warming spice that sings all things fall.
• Apple Spice – Referred to as Apple Pie Spice in the grocery store, you can purchase a small container or make your own! If you can’t find Apple Pie spice, simply replace it with Pumpkin Pie spice for the sweet, warm flavors of Fall.
• Egg – One egg is all you need to help bind the dough together.
• Milk – I prefer whole milk for all of my baking recipes, but you can substitute 2%, 1%, or even almond milk, if that is all you have on hand.
• Butter – Salted is best here since there’s no additional salt in this recipe. For the dough, you want softened, room temperature butter. For the topping, you’ll need melted butter. Learn how to soften butter quickly right here.
• Vanilla Extract –  A luxurious, sweet flavor you just can’t get from sugar. Pure vanilla extract is the good stuff.

Apple Pie Spice

It’s so much fun to make your own homemade spice blend if you have all the ingredients on hand. Simply combine:

• 4 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 tsp Nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp Allspice
• 1/2 tsp Ginger

How to Make

An overview, visit the printable recipe card for complete ingredients and instructions.

1. Preheat the oven.
2. Combine the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, beat wet ingredients as directed, and then gradually mix in dry ingredients until moist.
4. Grease mini muffin pan (don’t use liners) and fill each just over 2/3 full.
5. Bake as directed and allow to cool. Remove from pan.
6. Roll mini donut holes in butter, followed by the sugar mixture, serve warm, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store

Cinnamon Muffins are best served warm, right out of the oven after being dipped in cinnamon sugar. However, you can still enjoy them a day or two later.

• Room temperature – Store these apple cider donut holes at room temperature for up to two days, in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator – Store these in the refrigerator for up to three days, and warm through before serving.
• Freezer – If you are going to freeze, don’t coat them in sugar. Bake and cool completely. Simply place them in a plastic-freezer storage bag, seal tight, label, date, and store in your freezer for up to one month.

When ready to serve after freezing, place in a baking dish and reheat in 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes. Prepare the melted butter and cinnamon sugar topping. When completely warmed through, roll in butter and sugar coating.

Nutritional Considerations

• Gluten – To make gluten free, simply swap for a 1:1 gluten free flour
• Vegetarian
• Nut Free

If you want more fall flavor, you’ll love these Fall Cookies!