Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Apple Cider Donut Muffins

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Cozy mornings and crisp autumn air call for one thing: Apple Cider Donut Muffins. These soft, fluffy bites are baked—not fried—so they bring all the nostalgic flavor of your favorite apple orchard treat without the extra fuss. Rolled in cinnamon sugar while warm, each bite melts in your mouth with hints of sweet apple and a gentle spice.

Perfect for weekend brunch, back-to-school breakfasts, or a seasonal dessert table, these muffins taste just like fall should. You won’t need a donut pan or deep fryer. Just a muffin tin and a mixing bowl, and you’re on your way to making the most comforting batch of baked goods this season has to offer.


Why Is Apple Cider the Star of These Muffins?

Apple cider isn’t just a seasonal favorite—it’s the key to the rich, cozy flavor in every bite of these muffins. By reducing the cider down before mixing it into the batter, you intensify the apple essence and infuse the muffins with that signature tangy-sweet depth that apple juice alone just can’t replicate.

The warm spices paired with apple cider create a classic flavor duo that feels both nostalgic and bakery-fresh. And the best part? That tender crumb and moist texture make them a standout against any standard donut shop fare.


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Ingredients for the Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Apple Cider – Reduced to concentrate its flavor, apple cider forms the base of these muffins and gives them a sweet-tangy richness.

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and fluffiness to the muffins without making them too dense.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda – The combo ensures they rise perfectly, creating that soft, cakey texture.

Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Essential warm spices that echo the cozy flavors of fall.

Salt – Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.

Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar – Brown sugar adds a caramel depth to the muffin base, while granulated sugar is perfect for that crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping.

Egg – Adds richness and helps bind everything together.

Unsalted Butter – Melted butter adds moisture and a lovely buttery flavor throughout.

Vanilla Extract – Rounds out all the flavors with a mellow sweetness.

Milk – Helps loosen the batter slightly and keeps the crumb moist.

Cinnamon Sugar (for topping) – The final dusting that mimics the outer crust of classic apple cider donuts and adds irresistible texture.


How To Make the Apple Cider Donut Muffins

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 to about 1/2 cup. This concentrates the flavor and ensures your muffins carry that deep apple essence. Let it cool before using.

Step 2: Prep the Oven and Pan

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

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup milk, and the reduced apple cider.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix—stop once the flour disappears for a tender crumb.

Step 6: Bake

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the muffins are still warm, melt 1/4 cup of butter. In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Brush each muffin top with melted butter and roll or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar until coated generously.


How to Serve and Store Apple Cider Donut Muffins

These muffins are best served slightly warm when the cinnamon sugar topping is fresh and the inside is still tender. Pair them with a mug of hot coffee or warm apple cider for the ultimate cozy treat.

For storing, place cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh them, pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You can also freeze these muffins for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temp and reheat slightly before serving.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make these muffins more moist?

Make sure not to overbake them and keep an eye on your oven. Also, using whole milk and not skimping on the butter will keep your muffins soft and tender.

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Technically yes, but apple cider has a much richer, more concentrated flavor. Reducing apple juice won’t give quite the same result.

Do I have to reduce the cider?

Reducing the cider really deepens the apple flavor. If you skip this step, the muffins will still be good, just not quite as flavorful.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind texture may differ slightly, but the taste will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have liners?

Just grease your muffin tin generously with butter or non-stick spray. They should release easily.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe scales well. Just be sure not to overcrowd the oven when baking in batches.


Want More Muffin Ideas for Fall?

If you adore these Apple Cider Donut Muffins, you’ll love these other cozy, creative bakes that highlight warm spices, fruits, and indulgent textures:

These recipes bring similar warmth and creativity to your baking repertoire and can make any weekend feel a bit more special.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest fall baking board so you can find it quickly for cozy weekends and holidays.

And when you try these Apple Cider Donut Muffins, come back and let me know how they turned out! Did you add a drizzle of glaze or maybe an extra spice kick? I love seeing how you make these recipes your own.

Have a question or want more inspo? Head to my Pinterest @Life with Nina for more fall-ready recipes and kitchen ideas!


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Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Apple Cider Donut Muffins

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Apple Cider Donut Muffins are a cozy fall favorite baked with reduced apple cider, warm spices, and finished in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. These soft, cake-like muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert without the mess of frying.


Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)

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

1. Pour 1 1/2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until it reduces to 1/2 cup. Cool before using.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with liners or grease it well.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

4. In another bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla, milk, and reduced apple cider.

5. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients just until combined. Do not overmix.

6. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and bake 15–18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. While warm, brush muffin tops with melted butter and roll or sprinkle in cinnamon sugar.


Notes

Be sure to reduce the cider fully—this gives the muffins their signature apple punch.

Don’t overmix the batter to keep the crumb soft and fluffy.

Apply the cinnamon sugar topping while muffins are warm for best stick and flavor.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: apple cider, fall muffins, donut muffin, cinnamon sugar

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