Cozy Apple Cider Donut Muffins
These apple cider donut muffins capture all the cozy fall flavors with a tender crumb and a crispy cinnamon sugar coating, ready in under 30 minutes. They offer a simple, homemade alternative to fried donuts with a warm, nostalgic taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted (or melted coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the muffin tin lightly or line with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and beat until pale and slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in apple cider and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- While muffins bake, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl for the coating.
- Remove muffins from the tin and while still warm, brush each muffin top lightly with melted butter (optional), then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Let muffins cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs and melted butter for best texture. Gently fold batter to keep muffins tender. Brush warm muffins with melted butter before coating with cinnamon sugar to help it stick. Avoid opening oven door during baking to maintain temperature. Batter can be loosened with a splash of apple cider if too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 29
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: apple cider, donut muffins, cinnamon sugar, fall recipe, easy muffins, homemade treats, cozy baking