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Cozy Apple Cider Donut Muffins Recipe Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

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These cozy apple cider donut muffins feature a tender crumb bursting with apple cider sweetness and a cinnamon sugar crunch topping, perfect for fall mornings or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (180ml) apple cider, reduced down by simmering to about ½ cup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60ml) milk (any kind, dairy or plant-based)
  • Cinnamon sugar topping:
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing the tops)

Instructions

  1. Pour ¾ cup (180ml) of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Let it simmer until it reduces by about half, roughly 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease well to prevent sticking.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk melted and cooled butter (½ cup / 113g) with ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar until smooth. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the cooled reduced apple cider, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ cup (60ml) milk.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick but slightly lumpy.
  6. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full (about ⅓ to ½ cup or 80-120ml batter per muffin).
  7. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Brush the tops of each muffin with melted butter (2 tablespoons), then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The tops should be golden brown and crackly.
  9. Let the muffins sit in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to set the cinnamon sugar topping.

Notes

Simmering the apple cider to reduce it concentrates the flavor and prevents sogginess. Use room temperature eggs and cooled melted butter for best texture. Fold batter gently to avoid toughness. Brush melted butter before cinnamon sugar topping to create a crisp, crackly crust. Baking times may vary; check at 18 minutes and tent with foil if browning too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider muffins, cinnamon sugar muffins, fall recipes, easy muffins, homemade muffins, donut muffins, cozy breakfast

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/cozy-apple-cider-donut-muffins-recipe-easy-homemade-cinnamon-sugar-crunch/