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Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Baked (not fried) apple cider donut muffins coated in buttery cinnamon sugar—everything you love about fall cider donuts in an easy muffin!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple Cider Donut Muffins, baked donut muffins, cinnamon sugar muffins, fall baking
Servings: 12 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

Tips: Reduce the cider for concentrated flavor. Swap sour cream with thick Greek yogurt. Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for extra warmth. To freeze, skip the sugar coating; thaw and coat just before serving.