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Cozy Apple Cider Donut Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar

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These cozy apple cider donut muffins are a quick and easy fall treat that tastes like a classic apple cider donut without the hassle of deep frying. With a tender, moist interior and a crisp cinnamon-sugar crust, they’re perfect for fall gatherings, brunch, or a cozy morning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) buttermilk
  • For the cinnamon sugar coating:
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease generously with butter.
  2. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1/4 cup. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and reduced apple cider.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Rotate the pan halfway through baking.
  8. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. While still warm, brush the tops and sides with melted butter, then immediately roll each muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  9. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip reducing the apple cider—it concentrates the flavor and prevents soggy muffins. For an extra-thick coating, double the cinnamon sugar mixture and roll each muffin twice. If you don’t have a pastry brush, dip the muffin tops directly into melted butter. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. For dairy-free, use melted coconut oil or vegan butter and almond milk with lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donut muffins, fall muffins, cinnamon sugar muffins, easy muffin recipe, apple cider recipe

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/cozy-apple-cider-donut-muffins-with-cinnamon-sugar/