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A cozy and comforting recipe that blends classic apple fritter flavors with the fun shape and texture of waffle donuts, topped with a glossy cinnamon glaze. Perfect for busy mornings or special brunches, featuring diced apples and warm spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • Oil for greasing the waffle iron
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk whole milk, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. Fold in peeled, diced apples and optional chopped walnuts or pecans.
  5. Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease surfaces with cooking spray or oil.
  6. Pour enough batter to cover the waffle iron surface, close the lid, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until waffles are golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Repeat with remaining batter.
  8. While waffles cook, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until glaze is thick but pourable.
  9. Let cooked waffle donuts cool slightly, then dip the tops into the glaze and allow excess glaze to drip off.
  10. Allow glaze to set briefly before serving.

Notes

Use fresh apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture., A few lumps in the batter keep donuts tender and light., Optional add-ins include a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra spice complexity., Keep waffle iron well greased to prevent sticking and to maintain donut shape., Best enjoyed fresh and warm from the waffle iron., Variations include pear fritter waffle donuts, gluten-free flour substitutions, vegan versions with flaxseed meal and plant-based milk and butter, spiced versions with nutmeg or ginger, and additions of chocolate chips., Batter can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the fridge; stir before use., Cooked waffles can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day, refrigerated for 2-3 days, or frozen up to 1 month., To reheat, warm in 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes (fridge) or 12-15 minutes (frozen), or use an air fryer or toaster; microwaving softens crispiness., Store glaze separately to maintain shine and prevent stickiness., Add more powdered sugar to glaze to thicken as desired.

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