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At the heart of this recipe is apple cider, a quintessential fall ingredient. Unlike apple juice, which is often filtered and sweetened, apple cider is unfiltered and made from fresh-pressed apples. This results in a more robust flavor profile, rich in the natural sweetness and tartness of the fruit. For this recipe, reducing the apple cider is crucial.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Embrace the flavors of fall with Spiced Apple Cider Donut Muffins, the perfect warm, cozy treat for the season. These muffins blend the rich sweetness of apple cider with a delicious mix of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, creating an enticing aroma and irresistible taste. Ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack, these homemade delights are a celebration of autumn that will fill your kitchen with warmth. Discover how to craft these muffins and savor every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup apple cider

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup finely chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions
 

Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/3 cup, approximately 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

    Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line it with muffin liners.

      Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and the reduced apple cider.

        Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.

          Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped apples.

            Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

              Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

                Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the muffins are baking, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a bowl.

                  Cool and Coat Muffins: Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then remove them from the tin and roll each muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm. Ensure each muffin is coated generously.

                    Serve: Enjoy your spiced apple cider donut muffins warm or at room temperature, ideally with a glass of fresh apple cider on the side!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 40 mins | 12 servings