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To make these tasty muffins, you need: - 1 cup apple cider - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup brown sugar, for rolling - 1 teaspoon cinnamon, for rolling These ingredients blend to create a warm, spiced flavor that is simply divine. If you need to swap out some items, here are great options: - Apple cider: You can use apple juice in a pinch. The taste will change slightly but still be sweet. - All-purpose flour: Use whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin. It adds fiber and nutrients. - Unsalted butter: Coconut oil or vegetable oil can work too. Just use the same amount. - Granulated sugar: Brown sugar can replace granulated sugar for more flavor. - Egg: A flax or chia seed mix can substitute if you prefer a vegan option. Use one tablespoon mixed with three tablespoons of water. To bake these muffins, gather the following tools: - Muffin tin - Paper liners or cooking spray - Small saucepan - Mixing bowls (2) - Whisk - Measuring cups and spoons - Toothpick for testing doneness With these items, you'll have everything you need to bake delicious apple cider doughnut muffins. Happy baking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven warms up, line your muffin tin with paper liners. If you don’t have liners, grease the tin well with cooking spray or butter. Next, pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, lower the heat. Let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Set it aside to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything mixes well. In another bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Now, stir in the cooled, reduced apple cider. This adds great flavor! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to mix gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps. Do not overmix, or your muffins will be tough! Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin. Fill each cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they’re ready! Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. While the muffins cool, mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Remove the muffins from the pan and roll each warm muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure they are fully coated. Now they’re ready to enjoy! To make your muffins light and fluffy, follow these tips. First, use fresh ingredients. Old baking powder or flour can ruin the texture. Second, be gentle when mixing. Overmixing can make the muffins tough. Mix just until you see no dry flour. Lastly, let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking. This allows the flour to hydrate. These muffins shine when served warm. Place them on a nice platter to impress guests. Add a few apple slices for color and freshness. You can sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for added sweetness. For a fun twist, serve with a small bowl of caramel sauce for dipping. This pairs well with the warm spices. Drink pairings can enhance your muffin experience. Hot apple cider is a classic choice. The warmth complements the spices in the muffins. If you prefer coffee, a light roast works well. The smooth flavor balances the sweetness. For a refreshing option, try a cold glass of milk. It’s a perfect match for these sweet treats. Pro Tips Reduce the Cider: For a more intense apple flavor, ensure you reduce the cider until it reaches about 1/4 cup. This concentration enhances the taste of the muffins. Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher muffins, so keep it gentle! Warm Coating: Roll the muffins in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm. This helps the sugar adhere better, giving you a deliciously sweet crust. Storage Tips: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat as needed. {{image_2}} You can make these muffins gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that works well in baking. This will keep the texture light and fluffy. You may not even notice a difference in taste! Want to add a twist? You can stir in nuts or chocolate chips. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you prefer sweet, try semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mix in about half a cup before you fill the muffin tin. This step makes each bite even more fun. You can change the flavor of your muffins. Try adding pumpkin spice for a fall twist. Replace the nutmeg and cinnamon with a tablespoon of pumpkin spice mix. You can also use other spices like ginger or allspice for new flavors. Each option gives the muffins a unique taste. To keep your Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist and prevents them from drying out. If you want to enjoy them for a longer time, layer the muffins with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking together. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a humid area, it’s best to put them in the fridge. If you want to freeze your muffins, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat one, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. To warm it up, pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins are best enjoyed fresh. They taste great for about three days when stored properly. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. To check for freshness, look for any signs of mold or an off smell. If the muffins are sticky or too dry, it's time to throw them away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety! Yes, you can make these muffins a day ahead. Bake them and let them cool. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tasty for a day. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. To check if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready. They should also spring back when lightly pressed. Look for a golden brown color on top. You can use apple juice, but the flavor will be different. Cider gives a stronger apple taste. If you have cider, I recommend using it for best results. If you only have juice, use it to keep things simple! You can use leftover apple cider in many ways. Try making spiced apple cider by heating it with cinnamon and cloves. You can also use it in soups or marinades to add flavor. Don't waste it; use it in fun ways! We covered how to make delicious apple cider doughnut muffins from scratch. We discussed the key ingredients and offered substitutions. I provided equipment tips and a step-by-step guide to baking these tasty treats. You also learned how to perfect their texture and discover fun variations. Finally, I shared storage tips to keep your muffins fresh. These muffins are easy to make and fun to enjoy. Try them with friends or family. Happy baking!

Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins

Delicious muffins infused with apple cider and topped with cinnamon sugar.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, for rolling
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon, for rolling

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
  • In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer until it is reduced to about 1/4 cup (approximately 10-15 minutes). Allow it to cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
  • In another bowl, beat together the sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the reduced apple cider.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  • Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each muffin cup about 2/3 full.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  • While the muffins are baking, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
  • Once the muffins are done, let them cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then remove and roll each warm muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy with a cup of hot cider for the ultimate experience!

Notes

Arrange the muffins on a decorative platter, and consider garnishing with a few fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top for added visual appeal.
Keyword apple cider, dessert, muffins