Description
These Apple Cider Donut Muffins are packed with cozy fall flavor. Made with reduced apple cider, warm spices, and coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re the perfect baked alternative to classic cider donuts. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a seasonal snack, these easy muffins are soft, fluffy, and impossible to resist. Try this homemade muffin recipe to capture autumn in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup reduced apple cider
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
1. Pour apple cider into a saucepan and simmer until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 15–20 minutes. Let cool.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and cooled cider.
4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a muffin tin. Fill cups 3/4 full with batter.
6. Bake 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Dip warm muffin tops in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
Notes
These muffins are best the day they’re made.
You can freeze them (uncoated) and add topping after reheating.
Don’t skip reducing the cider—it’s the key to flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Muffins
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg