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
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