Name: Oliebollen with Apples
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Ingredients: 1/4 cup and 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 cup lukewarm water; 4 1/2 tsp instant dry yeast; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 2 cups lukewarm milk; 1 tsp salt; 2 small apples, chopped; 8 cups oil; Garnish: powdered sugar

Happy Moo Year!!

We made it through 2021, and I think that calls for a celebration. What better way to celebrate than with Dutch Oliebollen on New Year’s Day?!

Photo of oliebollen a Dutch homemade donut. A donut made with apples and topped with powdered sugar.

What are oliebollen?

They are basically Dutch donuts, traditionally made and served on New Year’s Day. I make my oliebollen with apples. Some people refer to them as snowballs. Other people make their oliebollen with raisins, personally I think the raisins make the oliebollen heavier and not as sweet. I love the apple oliebollen with a little powdered sugar on top. You can also garnish your olibollen with cinnamon and sugar.

Oliebollen with Apples

Yield: 20

Author: Tara

Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 30 Mininactive time: 1 HourTotal time: 2 Hour

Ingredients

1/4 cup and 1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup lukewarm water
4 1/2 tsp instant dry yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 cups lukewarm milk
1 tsp salt
2 small apples, chopped
8 cups oil
Garnish: powdered sugar

Instructions

In a small box, mix 1 tsp of sugar with lukewarm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top. Let stand for 10 minutes. The yeast should bubble. If not, discard and try again with new yeast.
Mix the flour and the rest of the sugar (1/4 cup). Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture. Add the eggs and yeast mixture to the well.
Add half of the lukewarm milk to the well and mix until combined. Add the remaining milk and mix until completely smooth.
Add chopped apples and mix.
Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or dishtowel and place in a warm spot. Allow to rise for one hour or until the dough has doubled.
Stir in salt and let sit while you prepare the oil.
Heat the oil until 350 F in a large pot.
To check the oil temperature, dip the handle of a wooden spoon in the oil. Bubbles should form around the spoon when the oil is ready.
Use an ice cream scoop to form small balls of the dough (about 2 tablespoons). (Dip the scoop in oil so the dough will drop off easier.)
Drop the balls into the hot oil. The ball will drop to the bottom and then come back up. Flip the ball once golden brown. Fry between 4-6 at a time.
Fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove to a paper towel-lined bowl or rack.
Garnish with powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar.