Taste Autumn’s Comfort: Apple Cider Donut Muffins Made Easy

Fall brings so many flavors to the table. Pumpkins, apples, and spices fill kitchens across Ohio. Yet nothing beats apple cider and donuts on a crisp autumn day.

One of my favorite fall memories was visiting my grandparents. We always had apple cider and glaze donuts waiting in the kitchen. The smell of cinnamon and sugar lingered in the air. That simple pairing has stayed with me as a symbol of the season.

Homemade Apple Cider Donuts at Home

You don’t need a donut shop to enjoy this classic. Apple cider donuts can be baked as muffins in your own oven. They are soft, full of fall spice, and rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar. Each bite brings comfort and a taste of the orchard.

You don’t need a donut shop to enjoy this classic. Apple cider donuts can be baked as muffins in your own oven. They are soft, full of fall spice, and rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar. Each bite brings comfort and a taste of the orchard.

Ingredients for Donut Muffins

• 1 cup apple cider, reduced to ½ cup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 egg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping

• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup melted butter

How to Bake Your Fall Donuts

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with papers.
2. Simmer apple cider in a small pan until reduced to ½ cup. Let cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk cider, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
4. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Stir wet ingredients into dry. Mix until just combined.
6. Fill muffin cups with batter. Bake 15–18 minutes. Muffins should be golden with clean toothpick centers.
7. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush muffins with melted butter. Roll tops in cinnamon sugar.

A Sweet Autumn Tradition with Apple Cider Donuts

Enjoy your apple cider donuts warm with a glass of cider or a hot cup of coffee. They taste like autumn and remind me of those sweet visits with my grandparents. These muffins are simple, fun, and the perfect way to welcome fall into your home.

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