Apple Cider Donut Muffins

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup apple cider - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating) You can swap some ingredients for alternatives. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nutty taste. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut oil instead of butter. For the eggs, you can use flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Fresh apples make a big difference in your muffins. Look for apples that feel firm and heavy. Avoid any with bruises or soft spots. The best apples for this recipe are sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. They add a nice flavor to your muffins. Make sure to smell them too! Fresh apples should smell sweet and fruity. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven so the muffins bake evenly. Next, take your muffin pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray. You can also use paper muffin liners. This makes it easy to remove the muffins later. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients well. This helps spread the baking powder and spices evenly. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of melted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until the blend is smooth and creamy. This step adds air to the mixture, making your muffins light. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Whisk well after each addition. This ensures they mix in fully. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, blending until smooth. Carefully pour in 1 cup of apple cider into your wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage, as this helps keep the muffins soft and fluffy. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing to keep your muffins tender. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. This gives them space to rise. Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check if they are done, stick a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. When you mix your batter, do it gently. Overmixing can make your muffins tough. It is key to mix just until the dry ingredients blend with the wet ones. I recommend using a spatula to fold the batter. You want to see some lumps; it means your muffins will be soft and light. To ensure your muffins bake evenly, fill each cup the same amount. Aim for about two-thirds full. This allows room for them to rise without spilling over. Rotating your muffin pan halfway through baking also helps. This gives each muffin a chance to bake evenly. To keep your muffins moist, add apple cider carefully. The cider adds flavor and moisture. You can also try using room temperature eggs and melted butter. Both of these help create a nice texture. If you want to make them even richer, consider adding a bit of yogurt or sour cream to the batter. This extra step keeps your muffins deliciously moist. {{image_4}} After baking your muffins, you can add a glaze for extra sweetness. A simple glaze can be made by mixing powdered sugar and apple cider. Start with 1 cup of powdered sugar and add apple cider one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle it over the muffins for a lovely finish. You can boost the flavor by adding nuts or dried fruits. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. For a fruity twist, try adding dried cranberries or raisins. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your choice into the batter before baking. This will give your muffins a delightful surprise in every bite. If you want to change the spice profile, there are many options. Swap the nutmeg for allspice or ginger for a different taste. You can also add pumpkin spice for a fun twist. Just remember to keep the amounts similar, about 1 teaspoon, to maintain balance in the flavor. To keep your apple cider donut muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their soft texture and delicious flavor. If you have leftover muffins, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can keep them at room temperature for a few days. If you want to save some muffins for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the muffins to cool completely first. Then wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, simply take a muffin out and let it thaw. You can warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them taste fresh again. Apple cider donut muffins stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, they can last up to a week. Just make sure they are sealed well. If you freeze them, remember to consume them within three months for the best taste. Yes, you can use homemade apple cider. Fresh cider adds a rich flavor. Just ensure it is not too watery. Homemade cider can enhance the taste and aroma of the muffins. To make gluten-free muffins, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend has a good structure. You may also need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum. This helps the muffins hold together well. The best way to reheat muffins is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap muffins in foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10 minutes. You can also use the microwave for a quick option. Just heat for 10-15 seconds. Yes, you can make these muffins ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to let them cool before freezing. Muffins may not rise due to a few reasons. First, check the baking powder's freshness. Old baking powder can lose its power. Second, not mixing the batter enough can cause them to be dense. Lastly, overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Aim for a light hand when mixing. This article covered everything about making apple cider donut muffins. We listed key ingredients and suggested smart substitutions. You learned simple steps to prepare, bake, and test your muffins. I shared tips for perfect texture and tasty variations, like glazes or add-ins. Remember to store them right for freshness. Keeping these points in mind will help you bake delicious muffins every time. Enjoy this fun treat with family and friends!$

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these delicious Apple Cider Donut Muffins! Easy to make and filled with the comforting taste of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful batch that everyone will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup apple cider

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a muffin pan with cooking spray or line it with paper muffin liners for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and slightly cooled butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract, blending until smooth.

Add Apple Cider: Carefully pour the apple cider into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid over-mixing at this stage.

Combine Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold the batter until everything is just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this will keep the muffins tender.

Fill Muffin Cups: Using a spoon or a scoop, fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter to allow room for rising.

Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare Coating: While the muffins bake, mix the remaining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a shallow bowl to create the cinnamon-sugar coating.

Coat Muffins: Once the muffins are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm but not hot, roll each muffin in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated on all sides.

Cool and Serve: Transfer the coated muffins to a wire rack to cool completely, or enjoy them warm for an extra delightful experience!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 35 mins | Makes 12 muffins

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, arrange the muffins on a decorative plate, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, and garnish with thin apple slices or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon if desired.