Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Let me walk you through exactly how to create these incredible mini apple fritter waffle donuts in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling and finely dicing your apples into small pieces, approximately ¼-inch cubes. You want them small enough to distribute evenly throughout your mini apple fritter waffle donuts but large enough to provide noticeable apple flavor and texture.

Place the diced apples in a small bowl and toss them with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This prevents browning and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Set aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt

Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This ensures every mini apple fritter waffle donut has consistent flavor and rise.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together:

¾ cup whole milk (room temperature)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
¼ cup melted unsalted butter (cooled slightly)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the eggs are fully incorporated. Room temperature ingredients are crucial—they combine more easily and create a smoother batter for your mini apple fritter waffle donuts.

Step 4: Create the Waffle Donut Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a whisk or wooden spoon, gently stir until just combined. The batter should still have a few small lumps—overmixing will create tough, dense mini apple fritter waffle donuts.

Gently fold in the diced apples (including any juice that has accumulated). The batter will be thick but still pourable, similar to regular waffle batter. If it seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons more milk.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare Your Waffle Maker

Preheat your mini waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most mini waffle makers need about 5 minutes to reach the proper temperature.

Lightly spray the waffle maker plates with non-stick cooking spray, even if you have a non-stick waffle maker. The sugar in the batter can cause sticking, and this extra insurance ensures your mini apple fritter waffle donuts release perfectly.

Step 6: Cook the Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Once your waffle maker is hot, pour approximately 3-4 tablespoons of batter into the center of each waffle section. The exact amount depends on your waffle maker size, but you want to fill it about two-thirds full. The batter will spread as it cooks.

Close the lid and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the steam stops and the mini apple fritter waffle donuts are golden brown and crispy. The exact timing varies by waffle maker, so check after 3 minutes for your first batch.

Carefully remove the waffle donuts using a fork or silicone-tipped tongs. Place them on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet (this setup catches glaze drips later).

Repeat with the remaining batter, re-spraying the waffle maker between batches. You should get approximately 12 mini apple fritter waffle donuts from this recipe.

Step 7: Make the Vanilla Glaze

While your last batch cooks, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together:

2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk (start with 3, add the 4th if needed)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Whisk until completely smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable—it should slowly drip off your whisk. If it’s too thick, add more milk, ½ teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.

For extra apple flavor, you can replace 1 tablespoon of the milk with apple cider.

Step 8: Glaze the Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

While the mini apple fritter waffle donuts are still slightly warm (but not hot), dip the top of each one into the glaze. Hold it upside down for a few seconds to let excess drip off, then place it back on the cooling rack, glazed side up.

Alternatively, you can use a spoon to drizzle glaze over each waffle donut in a decorative pattern.

For an extra-thick glaze coating (my preference), let the first layer of glaze set for about 5 minutes, then dip them a second time.

Step 9: Optional Cinnamon Sugar Coating

If you prefer a cinnamon sugar coating instead of glaze, mix together:

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

While the mini apple fritter waffle donuts are still warm, brush them with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This creates a different but equally delicious coating.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving. The mini apple fritter waffle donuts are best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. Serve them on a pretty platter with fresh apple slices as garnish for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions for Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

These mini apple fritter waffle donuts are versatile enough to work for multiple occasions and can be served in various creative ways.

For breakfast or brunch, arrange them on a tiered serving stand with fresh fruit and coffee. The combination of warm spices and sweet glaze pairs perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or chai tea.

Create a fun dessert board by serving mini apple fritter waffle donuts alongside caramel sauce for dipping, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. Guests can build their own dessert experience.

For kids’ parties, set up a “waffle donut bar” with various toppings: colored sprinkles, chocolate chips, crushed nuts, and different glaze flavors. Let kids customize their own mini apple fritter waffle donuts.

Turn them into a fall-themed treat by adding a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the vanilla glaze and sprinkling with chopped pecans. The combination screams autumn and makes these mini apple fritter waffle donuts perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast.

For an elegant brunch presentation, serve each guest a plate with two mini apple fritter waffle donuts, a small scoop of vanilla yogurt, and fresh berries. It’s simple but impressive.

Nutritional Information for Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per mini waffle donut (based on 12 servings with vanilla glaze):

Calories: 245
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 145mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 4g

These values are estimates and will vary based on the specific apples you use, the exact size of your mini waffle donuts, and how much glaze you apply. For a lighter version, you can skip the glaze and use the cinnamon sugar coating instead, reducing the sugar content by about 40%.