Description
If you’re craving a cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s simple to bake yet full of nostalgic flavor, these Apple Cider Donut Muffins are your answer. Perfectly moist and spiced, they channel the essence of fresh apple cider donuts into fluffy muffin form—no frying required! Ideal for quick breakfast ideas, easy snacks, or warm dessert cravings, they come together effortlessly and fill your kitchen with autumn aroma. Whether you’re building your list of easy recipes, looking for healthy snack swaps, or need new breakfast ideas, this one is a winner!
Ingredients
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
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Pour 1 1/2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer until reduced to 1/2 cup. Cool before using.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
4. In another bowl, mix eggs, reduced cider, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Combine wet and dry mixtures, stirring gently until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
6. Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. While muffins bake, mix cinnamon and sugar for coating. Melt butter separately.
9. Once slightly cooled, brush each muffin top with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
10. Serve warm or let cool and store for later enjoyment.
Notes
Reducing the apple cider is key—don’t skip this step or you’ll miss out on flavor.
Coating muffins while warm allows the cinnamon sugar to stick perfectly.
Use room-temperature eggs and milk for a better batter blend and rise.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: apple cider muffin, donut muffin, fall breakfast, easy muffin recipe, cinnamon sugar muffin