Apple Cider Donut Muffins

$To make the best apple cider donut muffins, you need some key ingredients. Here’s the complete list: - 1 cup apple cider - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - ½ cup unsweetened applesauce - ½ cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating) Each ingredient plays an important role in making these muffins soft and tasty. The apple cider adds moisture and flavor. The all-purpose flour gives structure. Baking powder and baking soda make the muffins rise. Granulated and brown sugars provide sweetness and depth. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice. Eggs and applesauce keep the muffins soft. Vegetable oil keeps them moist, while vanilla gives a lovely aroma. Finally, the cinnamon-sugar coating makes each bite a real treat. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to bake! First, pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat. Bring it to a boil. Once it's boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You want the cider to reduce to about ½ cup. This step concentrates the flavor. After it reduces, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. While the cider cools, grab a mixing bowl. In it, whisk together the dry ingredients. You will need 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. This blend gives the muffins their warm spice flavor. Set this bowl aside for later. Now, take a large bowl. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of packed brown sugar. Crack in 2 large eggs. Then, pour in ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce and ½ cup of vegetable oil. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until they are creamy and well-combined. Next, it's time to bring it all together. Add the cooled apple cider to the wet mixture. Stir it gently to mix. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients from the first bowl. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you haven't already, line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly. Now, fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. While the muffins bake, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a shallow dish, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Once the muffins are done, let them cool for about 5 minutes in the tin. Then, move them to a wire rack. While they are still warm, roll each muffin in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them fully. Enjoy your soft and irresistible Apple Cider Donut Muffins! To get light and fluffy muffins, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, the muffins can become dense. Stir just until you see no dry flour. This keeps the texture soft. Ingredient temperatures also matter. Use room temperature eggs and applesauce. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven baking. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. For more flavor, add spices like nutmeg or clove. They bring warmth and depth. You can also try adding a dash of vanilla extract. This enhances the sweetness and makes each bite special. Mix-ins can make your muffins even better. Chopped nuts add crunch, while dried fruits like cranberries bring extra sweetness. Just fold them in gently to keep the muffins light. Choose a non-stick muffin tin for easy removal. Silicone muffin tins are also great. They allow for easy popping out of muffins without sticking. Using paper liners helps with clean-up, but greasing the tin works too. If you grease, use a light coat of oil. This helps the muffins come out easily while staying moist. {{image_2}} To make gluten-free apple cider muffins, swap out the all-purpose flour. You can use a gluten-free blend that works for baking. Look for one that contains xanthan gum. This helps the muffins hold together. You can also try almond flour or oat flour. Each gives a unique flavor and texture. Adjust the liquid if needed, as some flours absorb more moisture. For vegan muffins, you can replace eggs and dairy easily. Use flaxseed meal mixed with water for eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. Instead of milk, use almond milk or oat milk. You can also add coconut yogurt for creaminess. These swaps keep the muffins moist and fluffy. You can have fun with coatings! While the classic cinnamon-sugar is great, try chocolate or caramel. For chocolate, melt dark chocolate and dip the cooled muffins. You can also drizzle chocolate on top. For caramel, warm caramel sauce and dip the tops of the muffins. This adds a sweet touch. Experiment with nuts or sprinkles for extra crunch and color. Store your Apple Cider Donut Muffins on the countertop. Use a sealed container to keep them fresh. If you live in a humid area, the fridge can help. Just note that cold can change the texture. These muffins last about three days at room temperature. You can enjoy them for up to a week in the fridge. For best taste, eat them fresh. To freeze, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. They can stay fresh for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. Reheat in the oven for a warm treat. Store your Apple Cider Donut Muffins in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can leave them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. They can last up to a week in the fridge. For even longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They last for up to three months frozen. Yes, you can make these muffins ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool. Then store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for later. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving. Warm them in the oven or microwave. This way, they taste fresh and soft. Muffins can turn out dense for a few reasons. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined. Another reason could be using old baking powder or baking soda. Always check if they are fresh. Finally, measuring flour too tightly can add too much flour. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. You can find pre-made Apple Cider Donut Muffins at local bakeries. Many grocery stores also sell them, especially in fall. Check the bakery section or ask a store worker. Some cafes may offer them as well. If you prefer homemade, making your own is easy and fun. Apple cider pairs well with many flavors. Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices. They enhance the warm spices in the muffins. You can also try adding caramel for sweetness. Maple syrup is another great option. For a fruity twist, consider mixing in dried cranberries or walnuts. These flavors make the muffins more exciting. These muffins blend simple ingredients for a tasty treat. We covered key steps, from whipping up the batter to baking. Tips for fluffiness and flavor add extra joy to your baking. Whether you choose gluten-free or vegan options, there's a perfect muffin for everyone. Proper storage keeps them fresh for days. Now, you have all the tools to create delightful apple cider muffins at home. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats with family and friends!$

Delight in the fall flavors with these Apple Cider Donut Muffins! Soft, spiced, and coated in a sugary cinnamon glaze, they're a perfect treat for any occasion. This easy recipe combines fresh apple cider with warm spices for a deliciously cozy muffin experience. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore the full recipe! #AppleCiderDonutMuffins #FallBaking #MuffinRecipes #HomemadeTreats

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Ingredients

1 cup apple cider

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

½ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cider is reduced to about ½ cup. Allow it to cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.

In another large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well-combined and creamy.

Add the cooled apple cider to the wet mixture and stir to incorporate.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.

Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

While the muffins are baking, mix together the remaining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.

Once the muffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack.

While they are still warm, roll each muffin in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 40 mins | 12 muffins