WARM BAKED APPLE FRITTERS: All the Cozy Flavor, None of the Fryer Mess! 🍎✨

For the Apple Fritter Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• ⅓ cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)

• ¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups finely chopped peeled apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating (Optional but Recommended):

• ¼ cup melted butter

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon, mixed together

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Let’s Make Baked Fritter Magic!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat eggs, then mix in milk, melted butter, and vanilla.

4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix!

5. Gently fold in the chopped apples.

Step 2: Bake to Perfection

1. Using a large cookie scoop or two spoons, drop ¼-cup portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.

2. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches

• Cinnamon-Sugar Option: Brush warm fritters with melted butter, then dip or roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.

• Glaze Option: Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth, then drizzle over warm fritters.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Fritters

• DON’T OVERMIX: A few lumps in the batter are okay! Overmixing makes tough fritters.

• APPLE CHOICE: Use firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn.

• SIZE MATTERS: Keep fritters uniform in size for even baking.

• SERVE WARM: They’re best enjoyed the day they’re made, especially warm from the oven.