Mini Cinnamon Apple Fritters

These mini cinnamon apple fritters deliver everything I crave in a fall dessert tender bites of lightly spiced apple in a crisp golden crust finished with a sweet vanilla glaze They come together quickly in one bowl and fill the kitchen with a cozy aroma perfect for chilly evenings

The first time I made these I wanted a quick treat for unexpected company Now they are my go to anytime I have a couple of apples to use up and a craving for something comforting

Gather Your Ingredients

• All purpose flour: supplies structure for the fritters Make sure to use fresh flour for the best texture
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the batter and helps the fritters brown evenly Choose fine white sugar for a smooth mix
• Baking powder: provides lift and fluffiness Check the date it should be fresh for best rise
• Ground cinnamon: gives warmth and classic fall flavor Use high quality true cinnamon if possible
• Salt: balances sweetness and makes each bite pop Use fine kosher or sea salt
• Milk: binds the batter Try whole milk for extra richness
• Large egg: adds moisture and helps everything hold together Use room temperature eggs for easier mixing
• Vanilla extract: boosts aroma and flavor Pick pure vanilla for best results
• Finely chopped apples: pack every fritter with sweet juicy bites Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best during frying
• Oil for frying: creates a crispy golden crust Always use neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil and heat gently
• Powdered sugar: creates a smooth sweet glaze Sift before using to avoid lumps
• Milk for glaze: thins out the powdered sugar Use enough for desired drizzle consistency

How to Make It

Prepare the Dry Mix:

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour sugar baking powder cinnamon and salt until thoroughly combined making sure no lumps remain

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk the milk egg and vanilla extract together until smooth and well blended

Make the Batter:

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients Stir together just until you see no more streaks of flour The batter should be thick yet spoonable

Add the Apples:

Gently fold in the chopped apples so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter Without overmixing this keeps the fritters tender

Heat and Fry:

Pour oil into a heavy deep pan or skillet to a depth of about two inches Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Use a thermometer for accuracy

Shape and Cook:

Scoop small spoonfuls of batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil Work in batches so as not to overcrowd Fry each side for two to three minutes until deep golden brown

Drain and Cool:

Once golden use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil Let them cool briefly while you prepare the glaze

Make the Vanilla Glaze:

In a small bowl whisk together the powdered sugar milk and a splash of vanilla extract Stir until completely smooth and pourable

Glaze and Serve:

Drizzle glaze generously over the warm fritters Serve immediately for the ultimate texture Warm fresh fritters are best

My favorite part of this recipe is the fragrant cinnamon smell that fills the house It always reminds me of autumn fairs and my grandmother's kitchen She would let us help glaze each little fritter as soon as they cooled enough to touch

Flavor Boosters

Try diced pears in place of apples for a fall twist Swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg Nondairy milk like almond or oat works beautifully in the batter

Serving Suggestions

Serve mini fritters with a cup of hot coffee tea or even spiced cider Dust with extra cinnamon or a light shake of powdered sugar for a bakery finish They also make a festive brunch platter alongside fresh fruit

Creative Twists

Apple fritters have been enjoyed in various cultures for centuries The American version often features a sweet batter for frying in small portions These mini fritters capture that comfort food tradition in a modern easy format

Once you have made these mini apple fritters you might find yourself coming back to them any time you spot good apples at the market One autumn I tripled the recipe for a family gathering and not a single piece was left on the tray

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of apples work best for this dish?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal as they provide a balance of tart and sweet flavors with a firm texture.

→ Can the fritters be baked instead of fried?

Baking is possible, though the texture will be less crispy. For best results, fry for that classic golden finish.

→ How do you achieve a smooth glaze?

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until no lumps remain for a silky, pourable vanilla glaze.

→ What's the best way to serve these fritters?

Serve them warm and freshly glazed, optionally with a squeeze of lemon and alongside hot drinks like coffee or cider.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat briefly before serving.