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Apple Cider Donut Muffins

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Soft and warmly spiced muffins inspired by classic apple cider donuts, featuring apple cider, apple butter, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfect for autumn breakfasts or cozy treats.

Ingredients

1 cup milk

1/2 cup apple cider (not alcoholic, not apple juice)

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups sugar

2/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup apple butter (optional)

2 eggs

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

1/4 cup sugar (for topping)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, apple cider, vanilla, sugar, oil, apple butter, and eggs until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, nutmeg, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. Fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture just until combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full.
  6. Bake 30–35 minutes, removing as soon as a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
  7. Cool muffins until warm but not fully cooled.
  8. Prepare two bowls: melted butter in one, cinnamon-sugar mixture in the other.
  9. Dip the warm muffin tops in melted butter (or brush generously), then dip into cinnamon-sugar.
  10. Serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

Reduce sugar slightly and increase apple butter for deeper apple flavor.

Add allspice or cardamom for a warmer spice profile.

Mix in small diced apples for texture.

Replace part of the flour with whole wheat for heartier muffins.

Dip the entire muffin in cinnamon-sugar for a true donut feel.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/apple-cider-donut-muffins/