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Kid-Approved Apple Cider Donut Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar

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These muffins capture the nostalgic flavor of a farm stand apple cider donut, baked into an easy, kid-friendly form. With a concentrated apple cider syrup and a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating, they’re a perfect fall treat that comes together in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) apple cider
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Reduce the apple cider: Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a brisk simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Pour into a small bowl to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. In another large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs and whisk until smooth and lightened, about 1 minute. Whisk in melted butter, vanilla, and cooled reduced cider.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined (a few lumps are fine). Do not overmix.
  6. Divide batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling almost to the top.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. While muffins bake, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Melt 1/4 cup butter in another shallow bowl.
  9. Let muffins cool in the pan for 2 minutes. While still warm, brush each muffin with melted butter (or dip the top half), then roll in cinnamon sugar. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

The cider reduction is key for flavor; do not skip. Work quickly with the coating while muffins are hot. For best results, use room temperature eggs and check oven temperature with a thermometer.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donut muffins, fall muffins, kid-friendly muffins, cinnamon sugar muffins, easy muffin recipe

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/kid-approved-apple-cider-donut-muffins-with-cinnamon-sugar/