Apple Cider Donut Muffins

$- 1 cup apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup granulated sugar - ¼ cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - ½ cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup apple sauce - ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 3 tablespoons melted butter (for coating) - Additional ground cinnamon (optional, for coating) When measuring flour, use the scoop and level method. Spoon flour into the cup and level it off. This gives you the best texture. If you need gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a richer flavor, you can swap half the granulated sugar with maple syrup. Choose apple cider that is unfiltered for maximum flavor. Look for fresh apples if you want to make your own cider. For the best spices, buy whole spices and grind them yourself. This keeps their flavor strong. When buying eggs, look for ones that are firm and clean. Fresh eggs will make your muffins fluffier. First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking. Next, let’s focus on the apple cider. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it boils. Once it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want it to reduce to about ½ cup. This makes the flavor stronger. After that, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix these well to ensure the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed. Now, grab another bowl. Mix ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and 2 large eggs. Stir these until they are well combined. Next, add ½ cup of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ cup of apple sauce, and the reduced apple cider. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently, but don’t overmix it. Overmixing can make the muffins tough. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake them for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with some ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl if you like. Brush the warm muffins with melted butter. Then, roll each muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well coated. Enjoy your delicious apple cider donut muffins! To get the right amount of flour, always use the spoon-and-level method. First, scoop flour into a measuring cup with a spoon. Avoid dipping the cup directly into the flour bag. This keeps the flour from packing down. After filling the cup, use a flat edge, like a knife, to level it off. This method gives you the best results every time. Mixing your batter too much can make muffins tough. After adding wet ingredients to dry, stir gently. Stop mixing when you see a few flour specks. Lumps are okay; they will cook out. This helps keep your muffins light and fluffy. Remember, less is more when it comes to mixing. You can make these muffins ahead of time. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight bag or container. When you want to enjoy them later, just thaw them at room temperature. You can also reheat them in the oven for a warm, fresh taste. These tips help you enjoy apple cider donut muffins anytime! {{image_2}} You can make these muffins gluten-free. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Check that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps with texture. This way, you keep the muffins light and fluffy. Mix-ins add fun and flavor. Try adding ½ cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. You can also add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Fold them into the batter gently to keep the muffins airy. Spices can change the flavor of your muffins. Try adding ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger for a warm kick. You can also use cloves or allspice for a deeper flavor. Just remember to keep the balance right so the apple flavor shines through. To keep your apple cider donut muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or foil. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge. When stored correctly, these muffins last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To enjoy your muffins warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they may become dry. Serve Apple Cider Donut Muffins warm. They taste great on their own. You can also add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Pair them with coffee or apple cider for a cozy treat. Yes, you can use apple juice instead of apple cider. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be tasty. You could also try using a mix of water and a splash of vinegar for a tangy twist. To make these muffins vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Use plant-based oil instead of vegetable oil. Lastly, ensure the apple sauce is unsweetened. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. This can lead to tough muffins. Another mistake is not preheating the oven. Muffins need a hot oven to rise properly. Absolutely! You can make mini muffins with this recipe. Just fill a mini muffin tin and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they will bake faster than regular-sized muffins. We covered the key ingredients needed for apple cider donut muffins, how to prepare them, and tips for making great muffins every time. You now have tools to make delicious muffins, whether you're a novice or a pro. Remember, choosing fresh ingredients matters and perfect measuring helps. Don’t hesitate to try variations to suit your taste. With these tips, you can store and enjoy your muffins longer. Baking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy every bite of your homemade treats!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Apple Cider Donut Muffins that are perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines rich flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a delightful treat. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, you can enjoy warm, fluffy muffins coated in cinnamon sugar in just 40 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring these tasty muffins to your kitchen today!

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Ingredients

1 cup apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

½ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup apple sauce

½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

3 tablespoons melted butter (for coating)

Additional ground cinnamon (optional, for coating)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners.

Boil Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, until reduced to about ½ cup. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Combine Sugars and Eggs: In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, apple sauce, and the reduced apple cider. Whisk until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.

Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Coat: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Prepare Coating: While the muffins are cooling, mix the ½ cup granulated sugar with additional ground cinnamon (if desired) in a shallow bowl.

Coat Muffins: Brush the warm muffins with melted butter, then roll each muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 12 muffins