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Fresh buttery cinnamon muffins dusted with cinnamon sugar on a white cake stand with apples softly blurred in the background.

Soft Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Avatar photoMarla Jennings
Discover the perfect fall treat with our Soft Apple Cider Donut Muffins recipe. Easy to make and deliciously spiced!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 muffins
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Muffin tin lined with paper liners
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large
  • 1 Electric Mixer

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 3/4 cup apple cider
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your muffin tin with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • In another bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the apple cider and vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
  • Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving

  • Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still warm, melt the butter for the topping and mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a separate bowl.
  • Dip the tops of each muffin into the melted butter, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring a thick coating.

Storage

  • Once fully cooled, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Don’t overmix the batter to keep the muffins tender. Ingredient Substitutions: Try using whole wheat flour or adding chopped apples. How to Serve: Best served warm with a hot beverage. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare batter ahead of time and refrigerate overnight for quick baking the next day.
Keyword apple cider donut muffins, cinnamon sugar topping, fall baking recipes