Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts Recipe is crisp, fluffy, and cinnamon-sweet—perfect for fall mornings, brunch spreads, or fun baking with kids.

Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how everyday ingredients transform into such a delightful morning treat. Each one plays a crucial part—providing structure, moisture, sweetness, or that nostalgic apple fritter flavor you crave!

All-purpose flour: The foundation for fluffy, tender donut waffles—don’t substitute with cake or bread flour for best results.

Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps the donuts brown beautifully.
Baking powder: Provides that essential lift and light texture—don’t skip it!
Ground cinnamon: The secret to that unmistakable apple fritter warmth and aromatic coziness.

Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients and enriches the batter, for donuts that are soft but sturdy.
Milk: Keeps things moist and helps create a smooth, pourable batter—any milk works here.

Unsalted butter, melted: For a hint of richness that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
Vanilla extract: A splash makes the whole kitchen smell heavenly and amplifies the apple flavor.
Finely diced peeled apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): The star of the show—choose apples that stay a bit firm for the best bite.

Cooking spray for waffle iron: Ensures every donut releases perfectly golden and never sticks.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates that sweet drizzle, turning these treats into true donut look-alikes.
Milk (for glaze): Loosens the glaze just enough to pour or drizzle—use more or less for your preferred consistency.

Vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a gentle flavor to the glaze so it complements, not overpowers.

How to Make Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Mini Waffle Iron

Let’s kick things off by getting your mini waffle iron preheated. A hot waffle iron is essential for that quick sizzle and golden brown finish, so don’t skip this step! Give it a light mist of nonstick cooking spray to guarantee that your Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts release beautifully every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This blend is the backbone of your donuts, ensuring a perfect mix of rise and rich flavor. Stirring these dry ingredients really well makes sure that every bite is even and delicious.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab a second bowl and whisk up the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. The butter gives that bakery-style richness, while the vanilla ensures your kitchen smells as amazing as your finished donuts will taste!

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Pour your wet mixture right into the dry ingredients and stir gently—just until no streaks of flour remain. The trick for tender Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts is not to overmix; a few lumps are just right!

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Now, sprinkle in those finely diced apples and fold gently until they’re dotted throughout the batter. This is where your donuts really come to life, promising sweet-tart apple bits in every nibble.

Step 6: Cook in the Waffle Iron

Drop about 1 tablespoon of batter into each section of your mini waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for 2–3 minutes, until your donuts are puffed up and golden. That glorious aroma is your sign you’re almost there!

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the donuts are cooling slightly on a wire rack, whip together your glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and barely pourable. If you love a thicker glaze, use less milk—if you want a sheer drizzle, add a bit more.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle that sweet glaze over your warm Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts. They’ll look bakery-worthy and taste even better! Serve right away for the ultimate fresh-from-the-iron bliss.

How to Serve Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts

Garnishes

A quick dusting of powdered sugar or an extra shake of cinnamon takes these treats from tasty to wow. For even more apple flair, top each donut with paper-thin apple slices or tiny candied apple chips. The simple vanilla glaze is classic, but don’t hesitate to switch it up with a maple glaze or even a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts for texture.

Side Dishes

These Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts are delightful with a bowl of vanilla yogurt, a handful of berries, or a creamy latte. If you’re serving brunch, pair them with crispy bacon or scrambled eggs. They’re sweet and satisfying, so they shine on their own or as part of a bigger spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, stack them onto a donut tower, thread mini waffle donuts onto sticks for a breakfast kebab, or arrange on a pretty platter with bowls of dipping sauces (think maple syrup or caramel). Let the Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts be the sparkling centerpiece of your breakfast table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chances are, there won’t be too many leftovers! But if there are, let the Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts cool completely before popping them into an airtight container. They’ll stay soft at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for about four days.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these waffle donuts! Layer cooled donuts between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to two months. For best results, freeze before glazing and add the finishing touch after reheating.

Reheating

Pop the Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts into a toaster oven or standard oven at 325°F for just a few minutes and they’ll taste freshly made. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make them a little chewy. Glaze after warming for the freshest taste.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While you’ll get larger waffle donuts using a standard waffle iron, you can simply portion out a bit more batter and follow the same cooking instructions. Keep an eye on them—they may need a minute or two longer.

What kind of apples work best in this recipe?

Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are the top choices for Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts, as they hold their shape and provide just the right balance of tart and sweet. Avoid mealy apples like Red Delicious for best results.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and check that your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

What’s the best way to re-glaze donuts that have been stored?

If your donuts need a glaze refresh, whip up a new batch of glaze and drizzle it over the slightly warmed donuts. The warm surface will help the glaze set beautifully.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Of course! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of toffee bits work well in Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts. Just don’t overload the batter—a small handful goes a long way in adding crunch.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste just how magical these Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts are—crisp on the outside, soft and apple-filled inside, and so easy to make. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with the people you love, they’re bound to be a hit. Happy baking!

Explore More Sweet Morning Inspirations

If these Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts made your morning, don’t stop there! Try our warmly spiced Apple Crumble Bars or the indulgent Apple Fritter Bread Recipe for another apple-infused breakfast win. Love creative breakfast takes? You’ll adore the crisp and golden Mini Cinnamon French Toast Bites. For something sweet and chilled, check out the layered Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding Delight or the summery Peach Cobbler French Toast Bites. Each recipe adds a delicious twist to your morning and supports your article with high-impact internal SEO.

Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts Recipe

4.7 from 127 reviews

Author: Chef

Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 18 mini waffle donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Mini Apple Fritter Breakfast Waffle Donuts combine the cozy flavors of apple fritters with the crisp, fluffy texture of mini waffles—finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfectly bite-sized, they’re an easy, fun, and quick breakfast treat or snack your whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Batter

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg
1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup finely diced peeled apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith preferred)
Cooking spray for waffle iron

Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 teaspoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the Waffle Iron: Plug in your mini waffle iron and let it preheat until it’s hot. Lightly spray the surface with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure the waffle donuts come out easily.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. This creates the base for the batter.

Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-blended; this ensures even texture in the final donuts.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir them together until just combined; do not overmix as this can make the donuts tough. A few small lumps are okay.
Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the diced peeled apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter for sweet bites in every donut.

Cook the Mini Waffle Donuts: Drop about 1 tablespoon of batter into each section of your preheated mini waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool Slightly: Carefully remove the mini waffle donuts from the waffle iron and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps them firm up while staying tender inside.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1–2 teaspoons milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Adjust milk for desired consistency.

Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm waffle donuts. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use a firm, tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
If the glaze is too thick, add milk a few drops at a time until you reach a pourable consistency.

These are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
If you don’t have a mini waffle iron, you can use a regular one and cut donuts into bite-sized pieces after cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast

Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mini waffle donut

Calories: 95
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 45mg

Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0.5g

Protein: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 13mg