Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall with a tender crumb and a warm, spicy kick, look no further than these irresistible Apple Cider Donut Muffins. They perfectly blend the cozy flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a muffin that feels just like your favorite autumn donut—moist, flavorful, and coated with a spiced sugar blend that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet finish to any meal, Apple Cider Donut Muffins are sure to bring comfort and joy to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Apple Cider Donut Muffins lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, delivering moisture, texture, sweetness, and that quintessential spiced flavor that makes this recipe truly special. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this cozy dessert to life.

• Apple cider: Adds natural sweetness and provides a subtle tartness that brings the muffins to life.
• Flour: The base ingredient giving structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the muffins the perfect rise and fluffiness.
• Ground cinnamon: Delivers warm, comforting spice, essential for that classic apple cider flavor.
• Ground nutmeg: A pinch enhances the depth of spice without overpowering.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the spices.
• Butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture for tender muffins.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds softness.
• Brown sugar: Gives deep caramel notes and added moisture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Milk: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
• Turbinado sugar: Perfect for coating to add a delightful crunch and sparkle.
• Apple pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices; used for the signature sugary coating.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F to get it nice and ready. Make sure to grease your mini muffin pan with cooking spray so your muffins release effortlessly after baking. This little prep step ensures a smoother baking process and helps achieve those perfectly shaped muffins you’ll love.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these together first helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, ensuring that each muffin has consistent flavor and texture without any clumps.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, stir together the apple cider, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture infuses the batter with moisture, flavor, and richness—giving the muffins that soft, tender crumb that makes Apple Cider Donut Muffins so addictive.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Try not to overmix here; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can make muffins tough, and we want these light and fluffy with bursts of spice in every bite.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups and Bake

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the batter. This gives them enough room to rise without overflowing. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 11 minutes, until the muffins are golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Coat with Spiced Sugar

While the muffins are baking, mix your turbinado sugar and apple pie spice in a small resealable bag. As soon as the muffins come out of the oven and while they are still warm, transfer them into the bag and gently shake to coat them evenly in the sweet, fragrant sugar mixture. This step is the magic touch that transforms these muffins into true Apple Cider Donut Muffins with that classic crisp, sugary crust.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Garnishes

For a simple and beautiful presentation, consider sprinkling a little extra apple pie spice or cinnamon sugar on top just before serving. Fresh apple slices or a light drizzle of caramel sauce can add an elegant flair that enhances the fall flavors without stealing the show from these star muffins.

Side Dishes

Apple Cider Donut Muffins pair wonderfully alongside a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them for brunch, a side of creamy yogurt with honey and granola or a fresh fruit salad complements the sweetness perfectly and balances the spices nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these muffins into festive cupcakes by topping them with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting or even a dollop of apple butter. They also make fantastic grab-and-go treats when placed in a cute basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin—perfect for autumn picnics or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Apple Cider Donut Muffins stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and humidity to maintain their tender texture and delicious sugar coating.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these muffins later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the microwave.

Reheating

To enjoy muffins warm, simply microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat in a low oven (around 300 °F) for about 5 minutes. This brings back the soft crumb and warmed spices, almost like fresh from the oven Apple Cider Donut Muffins again.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of turbinado sugar for the coating?

Yes, you can! Regular granulated sugar works fine, but turbinado sugar adds that extra bit of crunch and a lovely pearl-like sparkle that makes the coating extra special.

What if I don’t have apple pie spice?

No problem! You can make your own by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. This DIY blend will bring the same fragrant warmth to your Apple Cider Donut Muffins.

Can I make these muffins in a standard muffin pan instead of mini?

Absolutely. Just adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake.

Is it possible to substitute apple cider with another liquid?

You can swap apple cider for apple juice, but you might lose a bit of the depth and tartness that make these muffins stand out. For best flavor, stick with apple cider if you can.

Are Apple Cider Donut Muffins gluten-free?

As written, no. The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends. Just be sure to check the blend’s compatibility with baking soda and baking powder for best results.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cider Donut Muffins are truly one of those recipes that make the house feel cozy and bring smiles with every bite. They combine nostalgic fall flavors with an easy-to-make muffin format that’s perfect for sharing or savoring quietly with a warm drink. Give them a try—you’ll soon find these become a cherished favorite in your seasonal baking repertoire!

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