Baked Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- For the coating: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer the 1.5 cups of apple cider until it reduces to exactly 1/2 cup. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Once reduced, set it aside to cool slightly before using.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or line with paper liners if you prefer, though spraying directly on the tin helps the edges get a little crispier like a donut.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Ensure there are no large clumps so the spices are evenly distributed.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the 1/2 cup of reduced apple cider until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
- While the muffins are cooling, prepare the coating by mixing the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt the butter in another small bowl. Dip the top of each warm muffin into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until generously coated.