Apple Cider Donut Muffins: A Cozy, Spiced Fall Treat
Autumn is the season of cozy moments, warm drinks, and delicious comfort food. One of the most iconic fall treats is the apple cider donut, but what if you could enjoy that same indulgent flavor in muffin form? Well, you can, with these Apple Cider Donut Muffins! These muffins perfectly capture the essence of a fresh cider donut—soft, fluffy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar—yet they’re baked instead of fried. If you’re craving a delicious autumn brunch treat, this recipe is exactly what you need!
What Are Apple Cider Donut Muffins?
Apple Cider Donut Muffins combine the rich flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a soft, moist muffin that’s perfect for fall. The muffins are spiced and sweet, with a hint of apple flavor that’s intensified by reducing the apple cider. They’re then dipped in melted butter and coated with cinnamon sugar, making each bite as satisfying as a freshly fried donut, minus the mess. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet morning with coffee, these muffins will surely become a seasonal favorite.
The Origin of Apple Cider Donut Muffins
Apple cider donuts are a beloved fall treat, originally popularized in New England. Traditionally, they are fried and coated in cinnamon sugar, often enjoyed during apple-picking season or at cider mills. The muffin version of the classic apple cider donut offers the same great flavors, but with a lighter, fluffier texture and a much simpler preparation. Baked instead of fried, these Apple Cider Donut Muffins offer the same cozy vibes and sweet aroma without the extra calories and mess. It’s a perfect modern twist on a time-honored favorite.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Muffins
For the Muffins:
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to ½ cup — see below)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Step-by-Step Directions for Apple Cider Donut Muffins
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Start by reducing the apple cider to intensify the flavor. In a small saucepan, simmer 1 cup apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to ½ cup (this should take about 10 minutes). Once reduced, let it cool slightly—this concentrated apple flavor is what gives the muffins their rich, spiced taste.
2. Make the Muffin Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line or grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fully combined.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the reduced cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.
3. Bake the Muffins:
- Divide the muffin batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar:
- While the muffins are cooling, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Brush each muffin with melted butter, then roll or dip the muffin tops in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Variations for Apple Cider Donut Muffins
These muffins are versatile, and you can easily customize them to suit your preferences.
- Add chopped apples: Dice up some apples and fold them into the muffin batter for added sweetness and texture.
- Add toasted pecans: For a nutty twist, fold in some toasted pecans for extra crunch.
- Stuff with apple butter: Fill the center of each muffin with a spoonful of apple butter before baking for an added burst of flavor.
- Maple glaze drizzle: After baking and coating with cinnamon sugar, drizzle some maple glaze over the top for a bakery-style finish.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the muffins ahead of time. They stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.
2. Can I use a different type of cider?
While apple cider works best for this recipe, you could experiment with other fruit ciders like pear cider or cranberry cider for a unique twist. Just be mindful that the flavor will change slightly.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, note that whole wheat flour will give the muffins a denser texture and a slightly nuttier flavor.
4. How can I make the muffins more moist?
If you find that your muffins aren’t as moist as you’d like, you can increase the amount of buttermilk slightly or add a tablespoon of applesauce to the batter for extra moisture.
Conclusion:
These Apple Cider Donut Muffins are the perfect treat for an autumn brunch. With their cozy apple-cinnamon flavor, fluffy texture, and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you serve them alongside hot apple cider or a rich cup of coffee, these muffins will create the perfect fall atmosphere. Plus, they’re easy to make, smell incredible, and are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Don’t wait for a special occasion—make these Apple Cider Donut Muffins today and enjoy the flavors of autumn in every bite.
Apple Cider Donut Muffins: The Perfect Autumn Brunch Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Cider Donut Muffins combine the rich flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a soft, moist muffin that’s perfect for fall. The muffins are spiced and sweet, with a hint of apple flavor that’s intensified by reducing the apple cider. They’re then dipped in melted butter and coated with cinnamon sugar, making each bite as satisfying as a freshly fried donut, minus the mess. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet morning with coffee, these muffins will surely become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
For the Muffins
1 cup apple cider (reduce to ½ cup — see below)
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cloves (optional)
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Reduce the Apple Cider
In a small saucepan, simmer 1 cup apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to ½ cup (about 10 minutes).
Let it cool slightly — this gives that concentrated apple flavor. 🍎
2. Make the Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line or grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined.
Add eggs, one at a time, then whisk in reduced cider, buttermilk, and vanilla.
Stir in dry ingredients until just combined (don’t overmix).
3. Bake
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about ⅔ full).
Bake 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
4. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
Brush or dip each warm muffin top in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
They’ll look and taste just like apple cider donuts — but easier and less messy!
Notes
For a cozy autumn twist, drizzle your apple cider donut muffins with a cinnamon glaze or dust them with powdered sugar before serving. Pair with a warm cup of apple cider, chai tea, or coffee for the perfect fall brunch!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 250
Keywords: Apple cider muffins, fall donut muffins, cinnamon sugar muffins, spiced apple muffins
