Apple Cider Donut Muffins

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Apple Cider Donut Muffins bring all the cozy, comforting flavors of a classic fall treat into a soft, fluffy, and irresistibly spiced muffin form. With a moist crumb that tastes like apple orchards and cinnamon-sugar topped fairground donuts, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. They deliver that warm, nostalgic apple cider donut flavor—without the need for deep frying.

Made with real apple cider, warming spices, and a sugar-dusted finish, every bite is a blend of tender texture and caramelized sweetness. They’re easy enough to whip up on a weekday morning, yet charming and delicious enough to serve during the holidays or at your next family gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe

These muffins capture the essence of apple cider donuts but in a quicker, healthier, and oven-baked version. They’re easier to make than traditional donuts, require no special equipment like a donut pan or fryer, and still provide that iconic sugary crunch and autumn flavor. Plus, they store beautifully, making them great for make-ahead breakfasts or on-the-go treats.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Apple Cider Donut Muffins, you’ll need a few basic tools:

• Muffin tin: Essential for shaping and baking the muffins evenly.
• Mixing bowls: One for dry ingredients and another for wet ingredients to streamline the mixing process.
• Whisk and spatula: For combining ingredients without overmixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure perfect texture.
• Small saucepan: You’ll need this to reduce the apple cider for maximum flavor.
• Pastry brush (optional): For brushing melted butter before rolling the muffins in cinnamon sugar.

Each of these tools helps make the process smooth and ensures your muffins bake up perfectly every time.

Preparation Tips

For the best results, start by reducing the apple cider until it’s concentrated—this step deepens the apple flavor significantly. Use room-temperature ingredients to promote even mixing, and be careful not to overmix the batter, which can result in dense muffins. Once baked, brush the tops with melted butter and coat them generously with cinnamon sugar while still warm to get that donut-like texture and flavor. If you’re planning ahead, these muffins taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

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Ingredients for this Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe

• 1 1/2 cups apple cider (to be reduced to 1/2 cup)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces down to 1/2 cup. This can take about 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally and keep an eye to prevent burning. Set aside to cool—this concentrated cider packs a punch of flavor into the muffins.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. Add the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider. Stir until everything is combined and smooth.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until no dry flour remains—do not overmix or the muffins may turn dense.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This gives the muffins enough space to rise nicely.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

Bake in the preheated oven for 16–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden and firm to the touch.

Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the muffins are baking, melt the butter for the coating. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.

Step 9: Coat the Muffins

Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, brush the tops with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. For a thicker coating, you can double-dip them.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the muffins warm, or let them cool completely before storing. Pair with coffee, tea, or warm apple cider for the ultimate cozy treat.

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Notes

These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, especially when the cinnamon sugar coating is still slightly crisp. If you’re using store-bought apple cider, make sure it’s non-alcoholic and unsweetened to control the sugar level in the muffins. For a deeper flavor, try using buttermilk instead of regular milk—it adds a gentle tang that complements the spices beautifully. If you’re baking at high altitude, a slight reduction in baking soda and sugar may help balance the rise and sweetness.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not reducing the apple cider: This step is crucial to intensify the flavor—using it straight from the bottle can make the flavor too mild.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense or tough muffins. Stir just until the flour is incorporated.
• Skipping the warm coating step: The cinnamon sugar won’t stick well unless the muffins are warm and slightly moist from the butter.
• Using cold ingredients: Room temperature eggs and milk blend better into the batter, resulting in a more even bake.
• Overbaking: Watch closely during the final minutes—baking too long can dry out the muffins and ruin their soft texture.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days, though this can affect the sugar coating texture slightly. For longer storage, freeze the muffins (without the cinnamon sugar coating) for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave, then brush with butter and roll in cinnamon sugar before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per muffin (based on 12 muffins):

• Calories: ~245
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugars: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

You can, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. Cider is more concentrated and adds richness.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

How do I know when the apple cider is reduced enough?

It should reduce from 1 1/2 cups to about 1/2 cup and should have a syrupy consistency.

Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?

Technically yes, but you’ll miss the signature donut-like texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat these muffins?

A quick 10–15 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes in a 300°F oven brings them back to life.

Can I add chopped apples to the batter?

Yes! Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped, peeled apples for extra texture and flavor.

Why do my muffins sink in the middle?

Overmixing or underbaking are common causes. Also, make sure your leavening agents are fresh.

Can I use muffin liners?

Absolutely. They make cleanup easier and help with uniform baking.

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Conclusion

Apple Cider Donut Muffins are the perfect mix of cozy autumn flavor and easy baking convenience. With warm spices, reduced apple cider, and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, they taste like a fall fair in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat or a festive brunch, these muffins are sure to impress. Store them well, serve them warm, and don’t be surprised if they disappear fast!

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