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Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins

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These Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm fall spices and apple cider flavor. They're brushed with melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar for that classic apple cider doughnut taste, but without the hassle of frying. Perfect for a cozy fall morning, these easy-to-make muffins are a delicious twist on a seasonal favorite!

  • Author: Marisa Guerra
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Dessert

Ingredients

Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins

  • 240 grams (1 cup) spiced apple cider
  • 240 grams (2 cups) all purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 50 grams (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
  • 159 grams (3/4 cup) light brown sugar
  • 99 grams (1/2 cup) vegetable oil
  • 102 grams (scant 1/2 cup or 1 3.9 oz container) applesauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • 99 grams (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins

  1. Add cider to a pan and heat over medium heat until its reduced down to 120 grams (1/2 cup)
  2. Transfer cider to a bowl and let cool completely at room temperature.
  3. Preheat oven to 350º F.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices and set aside.
  5. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix both sugars, oil, and applesauce until combined.
  6. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl with your spatula as needed.
  7. With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour mixture followed by the reduced and cooled apple cider and mix just until combined.
  8. Spray a muffin pan with baking spray and carefully divide the batter evenly among them.
  9. Bake for 21-23 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins come out clean.
  10. Cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan before gently pulling the muffins out of the pan to cool completely on a cooling rack.
  11. Whisk the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
  12. Once the muffins have cooled, brush the tops, bottoms, and sides with melted butter.
  13. Roll each muffin with cinnamon sugar until it's fully covered. Enjoy!

Notes

These muffins can be placed in an airtight container for several days. They're best enjoyed slightly warmed.

Find it online: https://marisabakes.com/2026/11/12/apple-cider-doughnut-muffins/