Apple Cider Donut Muffins (Easy Fall Baking Recipe)
Fall is here, and nothing says cozy like warm apple cider donuts… but what if you could have all that cinnamon-sugar goodness without the hassle of frying? Enter these Apple Cider Donut Muffins—soft, fluffy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar, they taste just like the ones you get at the orchard, but baked right at home.
Every year I look forward to sipping hot apple cider, wandering pumpkin patches, and grabbing a warm cider donut. These muffins bring that tradition into my kitchen, filling the house with the most incredible fall aroma. They’re perfect for a weekend treat, Thanksgiving breakfast, or anytime you want to bring a little fall magic to the table.
Ingredients
For the muffins:
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced, see note)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ? cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
For the coating:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Reduce the cider: In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider until reduced to about ½ cup. Let cool slightly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and reduced cider until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Gradually stir into wet mixture.
- Add milk: Stir in milk until just combined (do not overmix).
- Bake: Divide batter evenly into a greased muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar: Let muffins cool slightly, then dip each warm muffin in melted butter and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
? Tips & Variations
- Try swapping pumpkin spice for the cinnamon/nutmeg mix.
- Use apple pie spice for an orchard-style twist.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for dessert vibes.
- Freeze extras (without coating) and rewarm before rolling in cinnamon sugar.
Perfect For
- Cozy weekend mornings
- A sweet Thanksgiving breakfast
- Fall gatherings & bake sales
- Pairing with hot apple cider or coffee
