Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins

There’s something magical about autumn—the crisp air, the changing leaves, and the flavors that come with it. Among the most beloved fall treats are apple cider doughnuts, but what if you could enjoy them in a muffin form? Enter the Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins! These muffins capture the essence of fall, combining the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the tangy sweetness of apple cider. With their light, fluffy texture and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. They’re quick to make, easy to enjoy, and bring the nostalgia of a classic apple cider doughnut straight to your kitchen. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this fall favorite with ease.

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup apple cider
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Coating:

• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Ensuring the oven is properly preheated will give your muffins a beautiful rise.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These dry ingredients form the base of your muffin and are responsible for the deliciously spiced flavor and tender crumb.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. This wet mixture will provide moisture and ensure the muffins are soft and fluffy. The apple cider adds a tangy sweetness, while the butter provides richness.

Step 4: Combine and Bake
Slowly stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the muffins tough. Divide the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown and spring back when touched lightly.

Step 5: Coat the Muffins
Once the muffins have cooled slightly but are still warm, prepare the coating. Melt ¼ cup of butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon. Dip each warm muffin into the melted butter, making sure to coat it completely. Then, roll the buttered muffin in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The sweet coating adds an irresistible crunch and a layer of flavor that mimics a classic doughnut.

Variation

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:

• Add Apples: Dice a small apple and fold it into the batter for a burst of fresh apple flavor in every bite.
• Glaze Option: Instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a bit of apple cider over the muffins for a more doughnut-like finish.
• Spice It Up: If you love bold flavors, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-friendly without sacrificing taste or texture.

Cooking Note:

Make sure to use fresh apple cider and not apple juice for the best flavor. Apple cider has a more robust, tangy taste compared to the sweeter, more neutral flavor of apple juice. If your cider is on the sweeter side, consider reducing the sugar in the recipe slightly to balance it out. Also, be careful not to overbake the muffins. Overbaking can cause them to dry out, so start checking them around the 15-minute mark. You want them to be soft and tender, with a slightly crisp exterior.

Serving Suggestions:

These Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins are perfect served warm with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider. They also make an excellent addition to a fall brunch spread. For an indulgent dessert, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce. The cinnamon-sugar coating gives them a delightful doughnut-like texture, making them ideal for pairing with rich fall flavors like maple syrup or pumpkin spice lattes.

Tips:

• For an extra moist muffin, you can substitute part of the milk with sour cream or yogurt.
• If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can also make these as mini muffins or even as doughnut holes using a mini doughnut pan.
• To prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners, lightly spray the liners with cooking spray before filling them with batter.
• Store leftover muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to restore their fresh-from-the-oven flavor.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

15-18 minutes

Total Time:

28-30 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 200 kcal per muffin
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 180mg

FAQs:

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
While you can use apple juice in a pinch, apple cider provides a much more intense and tangy flavor that makes these muffins taste distinctly like fall. If you must use apple juice, consider reducing the sugar slightly to keep the sweetness in balance.

How do I store these muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. To enjoy after freezing, just reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! These muffins are great to make ahead. You can bake the muffins and coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture once they are cool. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

What’s the best way to reheat these muffins?
To reheat, you can either pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or if you prefer a crispier exterior, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Conclusion:

Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins capture all the comforting flavors of autumn in a soft, tender muffin that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a treat to serve at a fall gathering, or simply want something special to enjoy with your morning coffee, these muffins deliver a taste of the season in every bite. The combination of warm spices, tangy apple cider, and the sweet crunch of the cinnamon-sugar coating makes them irresistible. Try this recipe for your next fall baking adventure, and don’t be surprised if they become a favorite tradition in your home!

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