Name: Apple Cider Donut Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2/3 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

If fall had a flavor, it would taste exactly like these Apple Cider Donut Muffins. Packed with cozy spices, apple cider, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, these muffins give off that nostalgic county fair donut vibe, but without needing a deep fryer. Imagine biting into a soft, warmly spiced muffin that fills the air with the aroma of apple orchards and autumn leaves.

Whether you’re curled up with a warm drink on a chilly morning or packing a sweet treat for the kids’ lunch boxes, these muffins hit the spot. They come together easily, making them perfect for weekend baking or an impromptu brunch. And the best part? You don’t need a donut pan or any fancy tools.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Donut Muffins

These muffins capture everything you love about classic apple cider donuts, but in an easy-to-make muffin form. They’re incredibly moist thanks to reduced apple cider and tangy Greek yogurt, and the texture is soft and fluffy with just enough crumb. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds that iconic donut crunch, making every bite irresistible.

What Kind of Apple Cider Should I Use?

For the richest flavor, go for fresh, unfiltered apple cider if you can find it. It should be dark and cloudy, full of apple goodness. Avoid apple juice—it lacks the intensity you need for these muffins. If you want to deepen the apple flavor, simmer the cider down before using it. Just reducing it a bit can intensify the richness in your muffins.

Ingredients for the Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Making these muffins starts with some fall pantry staples, and each ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour gives the muffins their structure and keeps them tender.

Baking powder ensures the muffins rise up light and fluffy.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.

Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add that signature warm, fall spice.

Apple cider brings the deep apple flavor and adds moisture. Reducing it beforehand takes the taste to another level.

Unsalted butter adds richness and that comforting donut feel.

Brown sugar gives the muffins a soft sweetness with a hint of molasses.

Eggs bind everything together and contribute to the light texture.

Greek yogurt keeps the muffins extra moist and tender while adding a subtle tang.

Vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and enhances the apple notes.

How To Make the Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Step 1: Reduce the Cider

Pour your apple cider into a saucepan and simmer it until it reduces by half. This will concentrate the flavor and ensure the muffins are packed with that rich apple taste.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, mix the cooled melted butter with brown sugar, eggs, Greek yogurt, reduced cider, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until no streaks of flour remain.

Step 3: Bake the Muffins

Scoop the batter into a lined muffin tin, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake at 350°F for 17 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a rack.

Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Melt some butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar. Dip each warm muffin top in butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated. Serve warm for that classic donut experience.

How to Serve and Store These Muffins

These muffins are best served warm, right after their cinnamon sugar bath when they’re at peak softness and flavor. Pair them with a cozy drink like a chai latte, spiced tea, or your morning coffee. This recipe yields about 12 muffins, making it great for sharing with the family or keeping on hand for the week.

To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate for up to a week, just reheat for a few seconds before serving. They freeze beautifully too—wrap individually and thaw overnight for a quick treat.

What to Serve With Apple Cider Donut Muffins?

Spiced Chai Tea Latte

The warm spices in a chai latte complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the muffins beautifully.

Apple Butter

Spread some apple butter on a halved muffin for a double dose of apple bliss.

Maple Glazed Bacon

The salty-sweet combo adds a savory contrast to the sweet, spiced muffins.

Yogurt Parfait

A refreshing yogurt parfait with granola and berries pairs well for a balanced brunch.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

The tang of sharp cheese surprisingly works well with the sweet muffin, creating a delicious flavor play.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Because fall calls for pumpkin spice everything. This pairing is comfort in a cup and muffin.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Turn these muffins into a quick dessert by serving with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Add a juicy, refreshing element to your muffin plate with a simple fruit medley.

Want More Muffin Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Apple Cider Donut Muffins, here are a few more unique muffin and baked treat ideas from the blog:

Pumpkin Bread with Maple Cream Cheese Filling for a moist fall-inspired loaf.
White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles for something citrusy and sweet.
Carrot Pound Cake that brings richness with a hint of spice.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars if you’re craving soft, chewy, and nostalgic.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you dip the entire muffin in butter and sugar or just the tops? Did you experiment with apple chunks or different spices?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Apple Cider Donut Muffins bring the joy of fall right to your kitchen, combining all the cozy spice and apple goodness of a classic donut with the ease of a muffin. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is a keeper you’ll want on repeat all season long.