If you love the warm, cozy flavors of fall, this Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to treats. Imagine tender, spiced muffins bursting with the sweet essence of apple cider and coated with a cinnamon-sugar crumble that perfectly mimics the classic apple cider donut. These muffins are wonderful for breakfast, snacking, or sharing with friends. They bring all the comfort and nostalgia of an apple orchard visit right to your kitchen, wrapped in a soft, moist bite that stays fresh and delightful for days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this recipe is simple yet thoughtfully chosen to deliver the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a key role, from the apple cider that infuses moist sweetness to the spices that create that trademark donut warmth.
- Apple cider: Reducing 1 1/2 cups down to 1/2 cup concentrates the sweet, fruity flavor you want in each muffin.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds everything together without being too dense.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your muffins rise perfectly fluffy and light.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic spices that bring warmth and depth, essential for that apple cider donut character.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and spices, balancing all flavors perfectly.
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and caramel notes while granulated sugar gives a subtle crunch and sweetness.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together while adding richness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds buttery flavor and tenderness in the muffin batter.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
- Milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
- Extra melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar for topping: For that signature cinnamon sugar coating that makes these muffins irresistible.
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour 1 1/2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces down to 1/2 cup. This step intensifies the cider’s natural sweetness and flavor, which is the heart and soul of these muffins. After reducing, let it cool completely before adding to the batter so your muffins bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or generously grease the cups to prevent sticking. Proper preparation here ensures your muffins bake up beautifully without sticking or losing their perfect shape.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry base sets the stage for those warm, spicy notes and gives structure, so your muffins have just the right crumb.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, milk, and the cooled reduced apple cider. Mixing these wet ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute the sugars and butter, creating a luscious batter.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep your muffins tender and light — a few lumps are perfectly fine! Overworking the batter can lead to tough muffins instead of soft, fluffy bites.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with batter. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The baking time ensures the muffins are cooked through while maintaining moisture and softness.
Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Right after baking, while the muffins are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter. Then generously roll or sprinkle them in a mix of cinnamon and granulated sugar. This magic coating is what transforms these muffins from delicious to downright addicting, giving you that crisp, sugary bite that echoes classic apple cider donuts.
How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
While the cinnamon sugar topping is divine on its own, you can dress these muffins up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. A small pat of butter or a smear of vanilla cream cheese frosting would also make them feel extra special for a brunch.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair exquisitely with a hot cup of spiced tea, coffee, or even warm apple cider to double down on those cozy autumn vibes. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to complement the sweet spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a patterned cloth for a charming fall picnic vibe. Alternatively, slice them horizontally and spread with cream cheese and sliced apples to create a muffin sandwich that will surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the refrigerator also works but may slightly alter the texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins for up to 2 months. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh the muffins, warm them in a microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes until they’re heated through and the cinnamon sugar coating feels delightfully crisp again.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple cider for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly. Just be sure to reduce it as directed to intensify the flavor and achieve the right moisture balance.
Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk you prefer. The muffins may have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
While these are best baked in muffin cups, you can bake the batter in a greased loaf pan or mini loaf pans, adjusting the baking time accordingly (usually longer for a loaf).
Is it okay to skip the cinnamon sugar topping?
Sure! The topping adds a signature crunch and sweetness, but the muffins will still be tasty on their own without it.
How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
The best test is inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This means the muffins are fully baked but still soft and tender.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe a try soon. They’re the perfect balance of cozy spice and sweet cider goodness, a treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary day, these muffins will bring smiles and happy memories every time.
Print
Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cider Donut Muffins are a cozy fall treat featuring the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweetness of reduced apple cider. Moist and tender on the inside, topped with a cinnamon sugar coating, they perfectly capture the essence of classic apple cider donuts in a convenient muffin form.
Ingredients
Reduced Apple Cider
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
Muffins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Topping
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Reduce Apple Cider: Pour 1 1/2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until it reduces to approximately 1/2 cup. Allow it to cool completely before using in the batter.
- Prepare Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease it well to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, milk, and the cooled reduced apple cider until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
- Fill Muffin Cups and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Apply Topping: While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter. Then roll or sprinkle them generously in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar for that classic donut flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the reduced apple cider is fully cooled before adding to the batter to avoid cooking the egg.
- Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps are fine to keep muffins tender.
- You can store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For extra spice, feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients.
- Brush the donut topping on while muffins are warm to help the cinnamon sugar stick better.
