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When making Apple Cider Donut Muffins, you need some key items: - 1 cup apple cider - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup diced apples (preferably tart) - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating) These ingredients work together to create that warm, cozy flavor we love in fall. If you want to add a twist, consider these options: - Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth. - Add a touch of maple syrup for extra sweetness. - You can swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar for a healthier option. These choices can make your muffins stand out even more. You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe. Here’s what you will need: - A medium saucepan for reducing the apple cider - A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients - A whisk for mixing dry ingredients - A muffin pan to bake the muffins - Muffin liners, if you prefer easy cleanup Having these tools ready will help make your baking process smooth and fun. First, we need to make the apple cider reduction. Pour one cup of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Heat it on medium until it boils. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want it to reduce to half a cup. This step concentrates the apple flavor, making it rich and tasty. After it reduces, let it cool slightly before using it in the batter. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add half a cup of melted unsalted butter to the sugars. Mix these well until smooth. Next, crack in two large eggs and add one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. Now, add your cooled apple cider reduction to this bowl. Mix gently until it all comes together nicely. Grab another bowl for the dry ingredients. Measure two cups of all-purpose flour and add one teaspoon of baking powder, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and half a teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together until they are evenly mixed. This step helps distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour. Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make your muffins tough. Next, fold in one cup of diced tart apples. This adds a nice texture and fresh flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your muffin pan. Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the batter. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready! While the muffins bake, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with one tablespoon of cinnamon. Once the muffins are done baking, let them cool for about five minutes. Then, gently remove them from the pan. While they’re still warm, roll each muffin in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. This gives them that classic donut feel. Enjoy your delicious apple cider donut muffins! To get soft and fluffy muffins, start by measuring your flour correctly. Too much flour makes muffins dry. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into a cup and level it off. This ensures you don't pack it down. Also, use room temperature eggs and butter. This helps the batter mix better, leading to a smooth texture. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. It's okay if the batter looks a little lumpy. Lumps mean you keep some air in the batter, which gives your muffins a light and tender crumb. Serve these muffins warm for the best taste. You can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top. Pair them with a hot cup of apple cider or tea. For a fun twist, serve with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. This makes for a delightful treat that everyone will love. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor by adding other fruits. Try diced pears or chopped peaches for a twist. Walnuts or pecans can also add a nice crunch. Just remember to keep the total amount of fruit or nuts to about one cup. To make these muffins vegan, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Make sure the baking powder is gluten-free as well. These simple changes will help you enjoy these muffins without gluten. To keep your apple cider donut muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their moisture. You can also wrap each muffin in plastic wrap for added protection. Place them at room temperature if you plan to eat them within two days. For longer storage, consider freezing. Freezing is a great way to save muffins for later. Allow the muffins to cool completely. Then, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. These muffins can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy your muffins again, reheating is simple. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. For quick reheating, use the microwave. Heat each muffin for about 15-20 seconds. If you want a crispier texture, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy the warmth and flavor! To make apple cider from scratch, start with fresh apples. Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for better flavor. Wash and chop about 10-12 apples, leaving the skin on. Place them in a large pot and add enough water to cover the apples. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 1-2 hours until the apples are soft. Use a masher to crush the apples and release their juice. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to separate the liquid from the solids. This fresh cider is perfect for your muffins. Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider. Look for unfiltered cider without added sugars or preservatives. This will give your muffins a rich apple flavor. Just make sure the cider is fresh. The taste will be similar, but fresh cider adds a special touch. Apple Cider Donut Muffins last about 3-4 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them. They may last up to a week in the fridge. If you want to keep them even longer, freeze the muffins. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Yes! If you don’t have baking powder, you can use baking soda and cream of tartar. For every teaspoon of baking powder, mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Another option is to combine baking soda with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice. This mixture will create a reaction to help your muffins rise. We explored how to make tasty apple cider donut muffins. You learned about key ingredients and optional notes. We talked about special tools to help you bake. Following the step-by-step guide, you can make great muffins easily. Tips and variations help you customize the recipe to your liking. Lastly, proper storage keeps your muffins fresh and tasty for longer. Enjoy making these delightful treats, and share them with friends and family!

Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Indulge in the fall flavors with these irresistible Apple Cider Donut Muffins! Made with real apple cider, fluffy batter, and a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating, these muffins are the perfect treat for any occasion. Discover how to make them and impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring the cozy taste of autumn to your kitchen! #AppleCiderDonutMuffins #FallBaking #MuffinRecipes #BakingInspiration
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Ingredients
  

1 cup apple cider

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup diced apples (preferably tart)

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

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

    In a medium saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat and reduce to a simmer. Allow it to simmer until reduced to about 1/2 cup, about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool slightly.

      In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.

        Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

          Add the cooled apple cider to the mixture and stir until combined.

            In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

              Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

                Fold in the diced apples to distribute evenly throughout the batter.

                  Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.

                    Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

                      While the muffins are baking, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl for the coating.

                        Once the muffins are out of the oven, allow them to cool for 5 minutes before gently removing them from the muffin pan.

                          Roll each warm muffin in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated completely.

                            Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 12 muffins

                              - Presentation Tips: Serve the muffins warm on a rustic wooden board, garnished with thin apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for added visual appeal.