If you’re ready to level up your brunch game, these Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the comforting flavors of homemade apple fritters—spiced, sweet, packed with tender apples—then imagine them turning irresistibly crisp and golden in a waffle iron. That’s exactly what happens here. Topped with a lush vanilla glaze and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, every bite is a joyful mashup between your favorite donut shop treat and a cozy fall breakfast. Once you try these, you’ll wonder why you ever waited to discover this recipe!

Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts lies in their simplicity! Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to lend the perfect amount of flavor, texture, and that classic apple fritter charm—nothing too fancy, just pure deliciousness.

All purpose flour: Creates structure for the fritters while keeping them light and tender.
Cinnamon: Adds warm, nostalgic notes that accentuate the apples and evoke fall coziness.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch works wonders by bringing depth to the spice profile.
Granulated sugar: Gives the donuts a touch of sweetness and helps with perfect caramelization as they cook.
Baking powder: Provides that essential lift, making each donut fluffy and satisfying.
Salt: A little enhances all the other flavors, ensuring your donuts are never bland.
Cornstarch: Works with the flour to guarantee every bite is impossibly tender.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the batter.
Milk: Moistens the batter for a soft, light crumb, and is used again in the glaze for silky smoothness.
Oil: Keeps the donuts tender and prevents dryness, even after cooling.
Shredded apples: The star of the show, providing bursts of juicy sweetness and a lovely apple texture in every bite.
Powdered sugar: Whisked into a dreamy glaze that sets with a slight crunch.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with classic bakery-style sweetness that pairs so well with the apples.
Cinnamon sugar: Optional, but highly recommended for that extra sparkling finish and spiced flavor.

How to Make Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Iron

Start by getting your waffle iron nice and hot. This is key for achieving those golden, crisp exteriors while keeping the inside soft and cakey. A mini waffle maker works perfectly, but you can use whatever you have—just keep the size in mind for portioning.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and stir together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. This blend is the backbone of your Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, ensuring each bite is spiced and perfectly textured.

Step 3: Mix in Egg, Milk, and Oil

Whisk the egg, milk, and oil into the dry mixture until just combined. Be gentle and avoid overmixing—the batter should be smooth but not overworked, so you get that tender donut crumb.

Step 4: Fold in the Shredded Apples

Add the shredded apples last, stirring just until they’re evenly distributed. The apples bring juiciness and a hint of tartness, making each Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donut burst with flavor and moisture.

Step 5: Cook in Your Waffle Iron

Spray your waffle iron generously with nonstick spray. Drop the batter by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the iron—these are mini, so a little goes a long way! Close the lid and cook for three to five minutes. They’re ready when golden brown and crisp on the outside. If using a small waffle maker, five minutes is just right.

Step 6: Cool on a Rack

Using tongs, gently transfer each waffle donut to a wire rack. Cooling them like this keeps the outsides crisp and prevents sogginess underneath.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make your glaze. Dip each cooled donut directly in, flip to coat both sides, then let the excess drip off before returning it to the rack. While the glaze is still tacky, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if you like—it adds sparkle and a bit of extra spice!

How to Serve Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Garnishes

Glaze is a must, but don’t stop there! A pinch of extra cinnamon sugar or even a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can turn each Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donut into a true showstopper. For a more decadent twist, try a drizzle of caramel sauce or a handful of toasted chopped nuts.

Side Dishes

Balance out the sweetness of these waffle donuts with something fresh and vibrant. I love serving them with a fruit salad bursting with berries or a pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice. For a brunch spread, pair with crispy bacon or sausage links—sweet and savory heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

Pile a tower of Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts on a pretty cake stand for oohs and aahs. Skewer them onto bamboo sticks for a fun donut kabob, or tuck a few into a cute bakery box for the cutest edible gift. You can even serve them with individual mini dipping cups of glaze or warm caramel for dunking fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and glazed, place your Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, store them in the fridge to keep that glaze set and the apples fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, let the donuts cool and set completely. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months—just make sure to add the glaze fresh after thawing, as it holds up best that way.

Reheating

Give leftover donuts a new lease on life by reheating them in the oven or a toaster oven at 300°F for five to eight minutes until warmed through. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven will return some of that just-made crispness—especially if you pop them in for a couple minutes before glazing.

FAQs

Can I use a regular-sized waffle iron instead of a mini one?

Yes! If you only have a standard waffle iron on hand, go ahead and use it—just make larger portions of batter and cook as directed. The joy of Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts is their snackable size, but the flavor translates beautifully either way.

What kind of apples work best in this recipe?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape after shredding and add a burst of apple flavor. However, feel free to use whatever you have on hand—even softer varieties will taste delicious in these fritter donuts.

Can I make these Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts gluten free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend, and you’ll still get tender, flavorful donuts ready to please everyone at the table.

Is it possible to skip the glaze?

Of course! While the vanilla glaze is delicious, a shake of cinnamon sugar on its own gives a wonderful crunch and extra spice, or you can serve them plain for a lighter bite.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

You can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time, but wait to add the wet ingredients and apples until right before you’re ready to cook. This keeps the batter fresh and avoids any unwanted sogginess from the apples sitting too long.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about making and sharing these Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. Whether you’re baking up a special breakfast or surprising friends with a homemade treat, these donuts promise cozy flavors and happy memories in every bite. I can’t wait for you to discover how easy and delightful they are—so grab your waffle iron and let the magic begin!

Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Makes about 12 mini waffle donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are a delightful fusion of waffles and donuts, combining the flavors of shredded apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a delectable treat. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack!

Instructions

Preheat your waffle iron.

Make sure the waffle iron is ready for use.

Stir together the dry ingredients.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch.

Whisk in the egg, milk, and oil.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and whisk until well combined.

Gently stir in the shredded apples.

Fold in the shredded apples until evenly distributed.

Spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray.

Ensure the waffle iron is well greased to prevent sticking.

Drop the batter by tablespoon onto the waffle iron.

Cook the batter in the waffle iron for 3-5 minutes.

Place the waffle donuts on a wire rack to cool.

Allow the waffle donuts to cool and set on the rack.

Whisk together the glaze ingredients.

In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Dip each waffle donut in the glaze.

Coat each waffle donut with the glaze mixture.

Flip it around and let the excess drip off.

Allow excess glaze to drip off the waffle donuts.

Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, if desired. Let set.

Optionally, top the waffle donuts with cinnamon sugar and allow them to set before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking, Waffling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mini waffle donut
Calories: 145 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 18mg

Keywords: Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, Waffle Donuts Recipe, Apple Fritter Recipe, Mini Donuts Recipe