Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a delightful hybrid of waffles and classic apple fritters—crispy on the outside, tender and warm inside, and coated in a vanilla glaze that settles into every little pocket. They bring the cozy flavors of apple fritters without the need to deep fry. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish. 
• No frying: Made in a waffle iron for crispy texture without hot oil. 
• Warm spices & apples: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and shredded apples give classic apple fritter flavor. 
• Sweet glaze: A simple vanilla glaze adds sticky, sweet goodness. 

Ingredients

For the Waffle Donut Batter

• ½ cup all purpose flour 
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon 
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 
• ¼ teaspoon table salt 
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 
• 1 large egg 
• ⅓ cup milk 
• ½ tablespoon oil 
• 1 ½ cups shredded apples 

For the Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar 
• 3–4 tablespoons milk 
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 
• Cinnamon sugar (optional) 

Directions

1. Preheat Waffle Iron: Heat your mini waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions. Spray both sides lightly with nonstick cooking spray so the batter doesn’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch until evenly combined. 
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk the egg in a small bowl. Add the milk and oil and whisk until smooth. 
4. Make Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the shredded apples so they are evenly distributed in the batter. 
5. Cook Waffle Donuts: Spray the preheated waffle iron again if needed. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto the center of the iron, close the lid, and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. (Timing may vary based on your waffle iron.) 
6. Cool: Carefully remove the waffle donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. 
7. Prepare Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3–4 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency by adding a bit more milk if it’s too thick. 
8. Dip & Coat: Dip each warm waffle donut into the glaze, flipping to coat both sides. Allow excess to drip off before placing back on the rack. 
9. Add Cinnamon Sugar (Optional): If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while the glaze is still tacky so it sticks. 
10. Set & Serve: Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then serve warm or at room temperature. 

Pro Tips and Variations

• Best apples: Use firm, slightly tart apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) for the best apple fritter flavor and texture.
• Shred finely: Finely shredded apples cook more evenly inside the waffle donuts and help them hold together.
• Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep the donuts tender, not dense.
• Extra crisp edges: Let the waffle donuts cook until deeply golden for crisp, fritter-like edges.
• Flavor twists:
  • Add a pinch of allspice or cloves for deeper fall flavor.
  • Swap vanilla glaze for a maple glaze by replacing vanilla with maple extract.
  • Skip the glaze and roll warm donuts in cinnamon sugar for a classic finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with coffee, chai, or apple cider.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.
• Stack on a platter and drizzle extra glaze over the top for brunch gatherings.
• Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast spread.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for 2–3 days.
• Reheating: Warm briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) or in a toaster oven to refresh the texture.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed waffle donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw, reheat, then glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these without a mini waffle iron?
Yes. A standard waffle iron works, but you’ll get fewer, larger waffle donuts.

Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the smoothest texture, but it’s optional.

Can I make them ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can make them a few hours ahead and glaze just before serving.

Can I use dairy-free milk?
Yes, any unsweetened plant-based milk works well.

Conclusion

Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts combine everything you love about apple fritters with the ease of waffles—no frying required. Crisp edges, tender apple-filled centers, and a sweet vanilla glaze make them irresistible for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. One batch disappears fast, so you may want to double it!

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