Apple Cider Donut Muffins are a delightful and comforting dessert that combines the flavors of apple cider and cinnamon in a soft, muffin form. Perfect for fall mornings, holiday gatherings, or a cozy night in, these muffins are sure to become a favorite.
Apple Cider Donut Muffins
Why These Apple Cider Donut Muffins Are the Best
- Warm Apple Cider Flavor: The muffins are infused with apple cider, giving them a distinct and delicious flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: The cinnamon sugar topping adds a sweet and spicy finish that complements the apple cider perfectly.
- Soft and Moist Texture: These muffins are soft and moist, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be made with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a festive dessert, or simply craving a fall-inspired treat, Apple Cider Donut Muffins are the perfect choice. The combination of warm apple cider and cinnamon makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
Muffins
- Apple Cider: Adds moisture and a rich apple flavor, infusing the muffins with the essence of fall.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and flavor, contributing to a tender texture in the muffins.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and aids in browning, creating a pleasing exterior.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent, helping to provide structure and moisture to the muffins.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the overall flavor and tenderness.
- Vanilla Extract: Contributes a warm, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main structure-building ingredient, giving the muffins their body and texture.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, enhancing the apple cider flavor.
- Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
- Baking Powder: Works alongside baking soda to provide additional lift and tenderness.
- Ground Nutmeg: Offers a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and apples.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the other ingredients.
Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Reduced Cider/Butter Mixture: Provides a sweet, apple-infused base for the glaze, adding flavor and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and coating, creating a delightful contrast to the spiced muffins.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the sugar coating, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Tips for Making the Best Apple Cider Donut Muffins
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality apple cider and cinnamon.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the muffins until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Toss in Cinnamon Sugar: While the muffins are still warm, toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for the perfect finish.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Cup of Coffee: Enjoy Apple Cider Donut Muffins with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy morning treat.
- With Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- With Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh apple slices or berries for a refreshing contrast.
- With a Glass of Milk: A cold glass of milk complements the warm flavors of the muffins perfectly.
- With Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Apple Cider Donut Muffins. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Warm, cozy, and packed with fall flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious muffin recipes!
Apple Cider Donut Muffins
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a festive dessert, or simply craving a fall-inspired treat, Apple Cider Donut Muffins are the perfect choice. The combination of warm apple cider and cinnamon makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Apple Cider Donut Muffins:
- 1 cup 236 ml apple cider
- 1/4 cup 50grams granulated sugar
- 1 cup 125grams all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 3 Tbsp 42grams unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp 40grams plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 Tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 Tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 Tsp baking soda
- 1/2 Tsp baking powder
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- Pinch ground cloves
- Pinch salt
For the Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Remaining reduced cider/butter mixture
- 1/2 cup 100grams granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 Tsp cinnamon
Instructions
For the Apple Cider Donut Muffins:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease and add a sprinkle of sugar to every other cup in a 12-cup muffin tin; this recipe makes 6 muffins, and spacing them out allows for better air circulation and helps them rise taller. For this recipe, avoid using muffin liners, as you'll be rolling the muffins in cinnamon sugar after baking.
- To reduce the apple cider, you can use either the microwave or the stovetop.
- Microwave Method: In a 2-cup glass measuring cup or bowl, cover the cider with plastic wrap, making sure to poke holes for venting. Heat it on high for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it reduces to about 1/2 cup (118 ml).
- Stovetop Method: Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it reaches a gentle boil. Then, let it simmer, stirring every minute or so, for about 10 minutes, or until it’s reduced by half.
- After reducing the cider, whisk in the butter until it melts and blends smoothly. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes; it will have a slightly syrupy consistency. You’ll need 1/2 cup (118 ml) of this cider-butter mixture for the muffin batter and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) for the glaze.
- In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup (118 ml) of the reduced cider-butter mixture with sugar, egg, yogurt, and vanilla. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients and gently stir with a large spoon or spatula until just combined. Make sure there are no large pockets of flour, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough, and nobody wants that!
- Fill each of the 6 muffin cups with batter, using a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop for even portions. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes. Without opening the oven door, lower the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes. The muffins are done when they’re puffed up and firm. To check, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
For the Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- While the muffins bake, mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl that’s large enough for dipping. Have a pastry brush ready for the butter and cider glaze.
- Once the muffins are warm but cool enough to touch, brush each one with the butter and cider mixture. Then, roll the tops, sides, and bottoms of the muffins in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Coat them with as much cinnamon sugar as you like!
Notes
Storage: Store baked muffins covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to freeze. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them on the counter for about an hour or microwave for 30 seconds.
Make 12 Regular Muffins: To double the recipe and yield 12 regular muffins, follow the same baking instructions. Just be aware that reducing the cider will take around 20 minutes.
Make Mini Muffins (Donut Holes): For 12 mini muffins, bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F and bake for another 5 minutes or until set.
Make Gluten-Free: Use 1 cup (125 grams) of a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix with xanthan gum to replace regular flour.
Make Dairy-Free: Swap in plant-based butter and a plant-based Greek-style yogurt.
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Apple Cider Donut Muffins