Apple cider donut muffins blend the essence of a quintessential autumn treat with the comforting shape and texture of muffins. These delightful treats encapsulate the flavors of the season, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and everything nice that comes with apple and cinnamon. This recipe brings the orchard to your kitchen by incorporating reduced apple cider and a delectable cinnamon sugar topping.
Ingredients
For the muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper muffin liners.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the cider by half (to about 3/4 cup), which should take about 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider until smooth.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
Step 6: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: For the cinnamon sugar coating, melt the butter in a small bowl. In another small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
Step 9: Dip each muffin top into the melted butter, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating thoroughly.
Step 10: Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee.
Variation
For an extra apple punch, fold in a cup of finely chopped fresh apples into the batter before baking.
Cooking Note
Ensure the apple cider is reduced properly to concentrate the flavor, which is essential for achieving the deep, rich taste characteristic of apple cider donuts.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are perfect as a breakfast treat, a snack with afternoon tea, or as a dessert served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend more smoothly.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 18 minutes
Total Time:
- 38 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Protein: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
FAQs
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider? Apple juice can be used but will give a less pronounced apple flavor compared to cider.
How can I store these muffins? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Conclusion
Apple cider donut muffins are a festive and flavorful way to celebrate the bounty of fall. This recipe not only delivers on taste but also fills your home with the inviting aromas of cinnamon and baked apples, making it a perfect treat for cozy gatherings or a family weekend breakfast. Enjoy crafting these little delights and watch them disappear from the plate!
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Apple Cider Donut Muffins
- Total Time: 38 minutes
Ingredients
For the muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper muffin liners.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the cider by half (to about 3/4 cup), which should take about 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and reduced apple cider until smooth.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
Step 6: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: For the cinnamon sugar coating, melt the butter in a small bowl. In another small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
Step 9: Dip each muffin top into the melted butter, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating thoroughly.
Step 10: Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee.
Variation
For an extra apple punch, fold in a cup of finely chopped fresh apples into the batter before baking.
Notes
Ensure the apple cider is reduced properly to concentrate the flavor, which is essential for achieving the deep, rich taste characteristic of apple cider donuts.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are perfect as a breakfast treat, a snack with afternoon tea, or as a dessert served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend more smoothly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 3 g