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Easy Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins Recipe

Easy Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins

Tender muffins made with concentrated apple cider and warm baking spices, finished with melted butter and cinnamon sugar for a classic doughnut-style coating.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Muffins
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) Apple cider
  • 2 cups (250 g) All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon, optional Ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) Unsalted butter, softened or melted and cooled
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) Packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) Granulated sugar
  • 1 Large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons (43 g) Unsalted butter, melted

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces from 1 1/2 cups to about 3/4 cup, usually 10 to 15 minutes. Remove it from the heat and cool until lukewarm.
  2. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line it with paper liners.
  3. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves together in a medium bowl.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Mix in the cooled cider.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until no dry flour remains. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
  7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the tops spring back lightly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the muffins for about 5 minutes. Brush or dip them in the melted butter, then coat them in cinnamon sugar.

Notes

Reducing the cider is essential because it concentrates the apple flavor and prevents a thin batter. Mix gently and stop as soon as the flour disappears for a tender crumb. Store cooled muffins in an airtight container and refresh briefly before serving if desired.