Warm Apple Cider Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Warm autumn mornings call for delectable apple cider muffins that burst with comforting spice and sweet charm.

Crisp fruit and fragrant cinnamon dance through every tender bite of this irresistible treat.

Bakers who love simple, rustic recipes will adore how quickly these come together in your kitchen.

Each muffin promises a delightful balance between soft crumb and intense seasonal flavors.

Seasonal ingredients transform ordinary breakfast into something magical and memorable.

Subtle hints of reduced apple cider create depth that makes these muffins truly special.

Apple Cider Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Must-Haves

• All-Purpose Flour: Key base for the muffin's structure.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor to muffins.

• Apple Cider: Provides moisture and deep apple flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps muffins tender and soft.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the muffins.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aroma.

• Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy coating for the muffins.

Apple Cider Muffins Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a muffin tin and line it with paper cupcake liners to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Ensure all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Fresh apple cider
• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the ingredients are completely smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined – avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups

Distribute the batter evenly into the prepared muffin liners, filling each cup about three-quarters full.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touch

Once muffins are out of the oven, brush the warm tops with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle generously over the muffins for a sweet, crispy topping.

Muffin Tips That Highlight Apple Cider Sweetness

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir ingredients gently until just combined to keep muffins tender and light, avoiding tough, dense textures.
• Boost Apple Flavor: Use fresh, high-quality apple cider for more intense and authentic apple taste in your muffins.
• Check Moisture Level: If batter seems too thick, add a splash more apple cider to maintain perfect consistency.
• Enhance Cinnamon Coating: Apply melted butter generously before sprinkling cinnamon sugar to help the topping stick better and create a crispy exterior.
• Store Smartly: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month to maintain freshness.

How to Keep Apple Cider Muffins Tasting Great

• Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Thaw completely, then reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 8-10 minutes until warm and soft.

Apple Cider Muffins Side Matches

• Pair Warm Cider Muffins with Complementary Flavors
• Brew Hot Spiced Chai Tea: Create a cozy autumn experience by serving these apple cider muffins alongside a steaming cup of chai tea. The warming spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon perfectly echo the muffin's flavor profile.
• Select Creamy Maple Butter Spread: Enhance the muffins with a dollop of maple-infused butter. The rich, sweet maple complements the apple cider's subtle fruitiness and adds luxurious moisture to each bite.
• Match with Smooth Caramel Latte: Elevate the muffin's enjoyment with a caramel latte. The coffee's deep notes and sweet caramel undertones provide a delightful contrast to the muffin's warm, spiced texture.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Transform the muffins into a decadent dessert by pairing with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy sweetness balances the muffin's warm cinnamon-sugar topping.

Apple Cider Muffins Flavor Combos

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend. Use certified gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs. Use plant-based oil and replace dairy-based ingredients with almond or oat milk. Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar.
• Whole Wheat Healthy Option: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Add rolled oats for extra fiber. Reduce sugar and use applesauce as a partial oil replacement for a more nutritious muffin.
• Spiced Autumn Remix: Add ground nutmeg and cardamom to the spice mix. Include diced fresh apples in the batter for extra texture. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking for a crunchy element.

FAQs

• Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While you can substitute apple juice, the flavor will be less intense. Apple cider has a more concentrated, rich taste that gives these muffins their distinctive depth.

• How do I know if I've mixed the batter correctly?

The key is to mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins. Stop stirring when you no longer see dry flour streaks.

• What type of apple cider works best for this recipe?

Opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider from a local orchard or farm stand. If that’s not available, store-bought is fine, but avoid apple cider that’s too sweet or processed.

• Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to use one that contains xanthan gum for better texture.

Muffins That Taste Like Apple Cider and Fall Mornings

• Whip Up Seasonal Comfort: These muffins capture the cozy essence of autumn with rich apple cider and warm spices, making every bite feel like a hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Simplify Baking Magic: Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires basic mixing techniques and minimal ingredients, ensuring even novice bakers can create delicious treats with confidence.
• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Star: Versatile enough for family breakfasts, school lunches, or weekend brunch gatherings, these muffins will delight both kids and adults with their sweet, fragrant profile.
• Quick Kitchen Triumph: Ready in under an hour from start to finish, these muffins offer a speedy solution for satisfying sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.

Apple Cider Muffins With Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, spiced Apple Cider Muffins dance with sweet cinnamon sugar, promising comfort in every bite. Homemade goodness fills your kitchen with irresistible autumn aromas, inviting friends and family to savor this delightful seasonal treat.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup apple cider

Wet and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and positioning a muffin tin with protective paper liners to ensure smooth muffin extraction.
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by meticulously whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until thoroughly integrated and lump-free.
3. Construct a liquid mixture by vigorously combining apple cider, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the components form a harmonious liquid blend.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, using delicate stirring motions to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender muffin texture.
5. Distribute the batter evenly across muffin cups, filling each compartment approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
6. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until a testing skewer emerges cleanly when inserted into the center of a muffin.
7. Once removed from the oven, delicately brush warm muffin surfaces with melted butter to enhance moisture and create a receptive coating.
8. Conclude by sprinkling a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered muffin tops, creating a sweet, fragrant crumbly finish.

Notes

• Swap apple cider with apple juice for a milder flavor, perfect for kids who might find cider too strong.
• Reduce sugar content by using half applesauce and half oil to create a healthier version of these muffins.
• Add chopped nuts or dried apple pieces to enhance texture and introduce more complex flavor profiles.
• Make these muffins gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg