Caramel Apple Donut Holes

The Cinnamon Apple Cider Donut Holes were such a big hit around here I wanted to try another version.  I love caramel apples - they remind me of being a little kid - my mom made them every year for Halloween.  So I took my childhood favorite and turned it into a donut!  These little donut bites turned out great.  They are perfect for a special breakfast or as a sweet snack - just make sure to serve them warm so that the caramel is nice and soft.  

Caramel Apple Donut Holes

1 Pillsbury Funfetti Maple Lil' Donut kit

1/3 cup apple cider, plus an additional 2 tablespoons of cider for the glaze

1/4 cup butter, softened

12-15 caramels, unwrapped and divided in half and rolled into balls

Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees and cover your baking sheet in parchment paper (or spray it with non-stick spray).

In a mixing bowl, stir together the donut mix, 1/3 cup apple cider, and  softened butter until fully incorporated.  

Using about a teaspoon of dough, roll the dough into tightly rolled balls around a half of a caramel.  

Bake on  prepared baking sheet for 10-12 minutes.

While your donuts are baking, stir together the maple glaze powder and the additional 2 tablespoons of apple cider until smooth.

Once the donuts are done, let them cool for 2 minutes.  After they are cooled slightly, dunk them one by one into the glaze and place them onto wax paper or on a cooling rack.  Sprinkle them with the Funfetti sprinkles immediately.

Let the donuts cool another 5 minutes before serving.  These need to be served warm in order for the caramel to be melty but make sure you let them cool down a little so that the caramel doesn't burn you! 

They can be stored in an airtight container just make sure you warm them back up to serve.  

Tips

The package says you will get about 24 donuts but  I actually got closer to 30 using a teaspoon to scoop the dough.  

Roll each ball of dough into a tight ball - if you don't you will get cracks in your donuts.  

Enjoy!

What's one of your favorite childhood treats??