Apple Cider Donut Muffins
There’s nothing that says fall baking more than the warm aroma of apples, cinnamon, and sugar wafting through the kitchen. These Apple Cider Donut Muffins are the ultimate cozy treat—soft, fluffy, and coated in cinnamon sugar. Unlike traditional donuts, they are baked instead of fried, making them lighter, quicker, and easier to prepare at home. Each bite delivers that nostalgic apple cider flavor, perfect for crisp autumn mornings.
Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving breakfast, looking for a weekend baking project, or simply want something sweet with your coffee, these muffins are the answer. Let’s dive into how to make them from scratch!
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Donut Muffins
- Baked, not fried: No messy oil, just simple oven-baking.
- Bursting with flavor: Reducing apple cider intensifies the apple notes.
- Kid-friendly: Soft, spiced, and coated in sugar—kids love them.
- Perfect for fall: These muffins embody the flavors of autumn and pair wonderfully with hot drinks.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Muffins
To make these muffins, you’ll need a few pantry staples plus fresh apple cider.
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Coating:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Muffins
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Reduce the apple cider: In a saucepan, simmer cider until it reduces to ½ cup. This step deepens the flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine sugars, melted butter, eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and reduced cider.
- Combine and bake: Fold the wet into the dry mix until just combined. Fill muffin cups ¾ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar: Brush warm muffins with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
Tips & Variations for Apple Cider Donut Muffins
- Add extra spices: Try adding cardamom or ground ginger for more warmth.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute coconut oil and dairy-free yogurt.
- Serving idea: Pair with hot apple cider or coffee for the ultimate autumn breakfast.
- Freezing tip: Freeze plain muffins (without coating) in airtight bags. Thaw and coat before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave and re-roll in cinnamon sugar for freshness.
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Cider Donut Muffins are versatile:
- Serve them at Thanksgiving breakfast alongside eggs and coffee.
- Enjoy as an afternoon snack with tea.
- Add to a holiday dessert spread with Homemade Butter bread rolls or savory bites like Potato Noodles.
For a flavorful chutney pairing, try them with Homemade Mint Chutney for a sweet-spicy balance.
FAQs About Apple Cider Donut Muffins
Q: Can I make Apple Cider Donut Muffins ahead of time?
Yes! Store them in a sealed container and coat in cinnamon sugar right before serving to keep them fresh.
Q: Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes. Freeze uncoated muffins up to 2 months. Thaw, warm slightly, and roll in cinnamon sugar before serving.
Q: Can I skip reducing the apple cider?
It’s best not to. Reduction intensifies the flavor and ensures your muffins taste rich and spiced.
External Resources
Both are excellent resources if you’d like to dive deeper into baking techniques.
Conclusion
These Apple Cider Donut Muffins are a fall must-bake recipe—warm, spiced, and coated in cinnamon sugar. They’re quick to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings. Try them today and share your results with friends and family!
Internal Links:
Apple Cider Donut Muffins
Equipment
- 12-cup muffin pan
- Saucepan (for reducing cider)
- Two mixing bowls
- Whisk & spatula
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush (for butter)
Ingredients
Muffins
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup) Simmer to reduce before using
- 1/2 cup reduced apple cider (from above) Final amount after reduction
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon for tossing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan.
- Reduce the cider: In a small saucepan, simmer 1 cup apple cider over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup (8–12 minutes). Cool slightly.
- Whisk dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
- Whisk wet ingredients: granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and the 1/2 cup reduced cider in a separate bowl.
- Combine: Add wet to dry and fold just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Fill cups 3/4 full and bake 18–20 minutes, until tops spring back and a tester comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 5 minutes, transfer to a rack.
- Coat: Stir sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush warm muffins with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar to coat all sides.
- Serve warm. For best crunch, coat just before serving.
Notes
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake, store in an airtight container, and coat with cinnamon sugar just before serving.
Q2: Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, freeze without the sugar coating. Once thawed, brush with butter and roll in fresh cinnamon sugar.
🎉 Conclusion
These Apple Cider Donut Muffins are the ultimate cozy fall treat—soft, spiced, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or holiday gatherings, they bring the magic of apple cider donuts straight to your kitchen. Try them today and share with family and friends!
Awesome Recipe!