Apple Cider Donut Muffins: All the Fall Flavor Without the Frying

Written by Samantha Falla

Apple cider donuts are one of the best parts of fall. Whether you're visiting an apple orchard, walking through a farmers market, or stopping at a bakery, there's something about a warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated donut that makes the season feel complete.

But you don't need a deep fryer or a trip to the orchard to enjoy them. These apple cider donut muffins have the same cozy flavors as the fall classic, with a soft, fluffy center and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating. They're easy to make at home and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack!

Before you get started, here are some tips for making the best muffins possible:

• Use real apple cider: Apple cider has a stronger apple flavor than regular apple juice. Look for fresh, unfiltered apple cider in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.

• Don't skip reducing the cider: This is what gives the muffins their concentrated apple flavor without adding too much liquid to the batter.

• Coat them while they're warm: The cinnamon sugar sticks best when the muffins are still slightly warm and freshly brushed with butter.

• Add an apple filling: For extra apple flavor and texture, fold ½ cup of finely diced apple into the batter before baking.

Lastly, these muffins taste best the day they're made, especially while the cinnamon-sugar coating is fresh. Just store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for up to four days. You can also freeze the muffins before adding the cinnamon-sugar coating. When you're ready to eat one, thaw it, warm it slightly, and add the butter and cinnamon sugar!

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Full Recipe:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18-22 minutes

Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients:

Muffins

• 1½ cups apple cider

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Reduce the Apple Cider:

1. Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it reduce until approximately ½ cup remains, about 15–20 minutes.*

2. Set the reduced cider aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Muffin Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth.

4. Add the eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and cooled apple cider reduction. Mix until everything is combined.

5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until the flour disappears. (Overmixing can make the muffins dense instead of soft and fluffy.)

Bake the Muffins

1. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each approximately three-quarters full.

2. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

3. Let the muffins cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

1. While the muffins are cooling, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

2. Melt the butter in a separate small bowl.

3. While the muffins are still slightly warm, lightly brush each one with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated.

4. For a more traditional apple cider donut experience, coat the entire muffin, including the sides and bottom.

You don't need to spend an afternoon at an apple orchard to enjoy one of fall's most popular treats. With a few pantry staples, some fresh apple cider, and a little cinnamon sugar, you can recreate the flavors of an apple cider donut in muffin form. Serve them warm with coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of apple cider for the perfect fall treat!

*Notes:

• Reducing the cider concentrates its apple flavor, making the muffins taste much richer than they would with regular apple cider straight from the bottle.

Thumbnail Credit:

https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-bread-on-white-and-red-floral-ceramic-plate-BxL-Oun1WOY