Nothing welcomes a crisp autumn morning like the scent of warm apple cider donut muffins baking in the oven. These tender treats are infused with real apple cider and dusted with a classic cinnamon-sugar coating. The simple batter comes together by hand for a quick and satisfying project, capturing the cozy essence of a weekend farmer’s market right in your own kitchen.

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A baker’s hand holding a fresh tray of warm Apple Cider Donut Muffins with cinnamon sugar coating

Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Muffins

For the muffins

All-purpose flour – The base of these muffins, giving them that perfect tender crumb.

Baking powder – Essential for that light, fluffy rise.
Ground cinnamon – Warm and cozy, just like fall in a spice jar.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Ground nutmeg – A little goes a long way for that classic donut spice flavor.
Unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature so it creams beautifully with the sugars.

Granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Light brown sugar – Packed for that rich, caramel-like depth.
Eggs – Room temperature blends seamlessly into the batter.
Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla makes all the difference here.

Apple cider – The star ingredient! Reduced or straight, it brings that signature autumnal flavor.
Buttermilk – Room temperature ensures a smooth, tender texture.

For the topping

Granulated sugar – Creates that irresistible crunchy-sweet coating.
Ground cinnamon – Mixed with sugar for that classic donut finish.
Unsalted butter – Melted for dipping—don’t skip this step for that authentic donut vibe!

Measuring ingredients like flour and spices for making Apple Cider Donut Muffins from scratch

Cook Time for Fall Baking Recipes

One thing I adore about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. Perfect for those cozy weekend mornings when you want the house to smell like a bakery without spending all day in the kitchen. Whisking butter and sugar for moist muffins is the most time-consuming part, and it’s pure therapy! In fact, for more weeknight-friendly projects, you might also enjoy our collection of healthy baking recipes that are just as simple and satisfying.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the time you’ll need:

Step	Time
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Muffins

This easy recipe for spiced apple muffins is one of my favorite traditions. Let’s walk through the steps together, creating chewy baked donut-style treats that fill your home with the most incredible aroma. It’s simpler than you think!

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all cups are fully coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg until fully combined and no streaks of spices remain.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add 2 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing.

Step 5: Alternate Additions

With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients with 1/2 cup apple cider and 1/4 cup buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until the batter is smooth and no dry flour is visible, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops spring back lightly when touched.

Step 7: The Signature Coating

While the muffins bake, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Place 4 tablespoons melted butter in another bowl. After cooling in the pan for 5 minutes, dip each muffin top first in butter, then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating evenly.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make these baked spiced muffins with apple cider even more special. Don’t be afraid to make them your own!

Flavor Swap: For a deeper apple flavor, try reducing your apple cider by simmering it until it’s halved in volume. It intensifies the taste beautifully!
Diet Tweak: If you’re looking for a lighter option, these work wonderfully with a white whole wheat flour and a sugar alternative. For more inspiration, check out my healthy muffin recipes collection.

Texture Fix: For fluffy cinnamon donut muffins from scratch, the key is not to overmix the batter. Stir just until the flour disappears for the most tender crumb.
Storage Tip: These are best eaten the day they’re made, but they freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly and they’ll be a quick thaw away from a perfect breakfast. For another great make-ahead option, my apple cinnamon overnight oats are a lifesaver on busy mornings.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

While these apple cider donut muffins are certainly a treat, it’s nice to know that baking them at home allows you to control the ingredients. Real apple cider brings its own natural sweetness and a hint of that cozy spiced apple cider flavor we all love in the fall.

Apples themselves provide fiber and vitamin C, and when you bake with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, you’re adding antioxidants without extra calories. For more nutritious baking ideas, explore my collection of healthy baking recipes that focus on whole ingredients.

Though moderation is key with any sweet baked good, choosing baked donut muffins over fried versions is a small win. You can also find lighter inspiration in my healthy muffin recipes, which include options with whole grains and reduced sugar. For further reading on balanced approaches to traditional desserts, the NYT Cooking Baking Method offers great insight into technique and ingredient choices.

A Lighter Version of Apple Cider Muffins

I know many of you are looking for ways to enjoy favorites with a healthier twist. Good news—this recipe adapts beautifully! For a lighter batch of these baked spiced muffins with apple cider, I often use white whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. It adds a nutty depth and extra fiber without compromising tenderness.

You can also reduce the granulated sugar by a quarter cup—the brown sugar and reduced cider still provide plenty of sweetness. For another fantastic low-sugar option, my spinach banana muffins are a family favorite. And if you’re craving more fall flavor with a healthy spin, these pumpkin muffins are moist, spiced, and perfect with a cup of tea.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

Over the years, I’ve had many conversations with friends and readers who are managing their sugar intake or seeking diabetic-friendly options. I truly believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a warm, comforting muffin with their coffee. It’s all about smart swaps and mindful choices.

For a truly sugar-conscious version of these apple cider donut muffins, try using a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia blend in place of granulated sugar. You can also reduce the brown sugar and boost the spices for more flavor without the glucose spike. Another trick I love is using unsweetened applesauce in place of some butter—it keeps the muffins incredibly moist while cutting down on fat. Just remember, small portions can make even traditional recipes part of a balanced approach.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Muffins

There’s a particular joy in pulling a warm batch of apple cider donut muffins from the oven just as family gathers in the kitchen. I remember one chilly October morning when my niece visited—she still talks about those muffins we shared with hot apple cider, the steam swirling together in the crisp air. It’s those simple, heartfelt moments that turn food into memories.

A cozy breakfast spread with warm apple cider donut muffins, fresh coffee, and a small jug of apple cider

For a classic pairing, serve these warm with a cold glass of milk or a hot coffee. They’re also wonderful alongside a warm apple cider vinegar drink for a tangy contrast. If you’re putting together a brunch spread, try adding my blueberry muffins for a variety of flavors that celebrate the season.

Mistakes to Avoid

After many test batches of these apple cider donut muffins, I’ve learned what makes them truly shine—and what can go wrong. Let me share a few common missteps so your baking turns out perfect every time.

First, overmixing the batter is the biggest culprit for tough muffins. Once you add the dry ingredients, stir just until combined—a few lumps are totally fine! Overworked batter leads to dense, chewy baked donut-style treats instead of tender, fluffy muffins.

Another mistake is not reducing the apple cider enough. If your liquid isn’t boiled down to a thick, syrupy consistency, the muffins can turn out gummy. You want that deep spiced apple cider flavor to shine without extra moisture. For a perfectly moist crumb with better structure, try my strawberry protein muffins—they use Greek yogurt for a similar effect.

Lastly, don’t skip coating the muffins while they’re still warm. If they cool too much, the cinnamon-sugar topping won’t stick as well. For more flawless baking techniques, the NYT Cooking Baking Method offers excellent guidance on texture and timing.

I’ll never forget the batch I overbaked in a rush—they came out dry and too dark. But even those “mistakes” got devoured by my nephew, who claimed they were just “extra crunchy.” Sometimes, the best lessons come from happy accidents!

How to Store Apple Cider Donut Muffins

There’s something so comforting about having a stash of homemade muffins ready for cozy mornings. I always think of my grandmother’s tin bread box, where she kept her baked goods tucked away—still slightly warm, smelling of cinnamon and memories.

To keep your apple cider donut muffins fresh, let them cool completely first. Then, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds before serving.

For longer storage, these muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw them on the counter or warm them straight from the freezer in the oven. For another freezer-friendly option, my maple muffins are just as easy to stash away for busy days.

If you love having healthy snacks on hand, check out my ideas for healthy apple snacks that are perfect for packing in lunches or enjoying on the go.

Try This Apple Cider Donut Muffins Yourself

I hope these apple cider donut muffins bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. There’s nothing like the smell of warm spices filling the house and the satisfaction of sharing something made with love.

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy the flavors of the season, you might love my apple cinnamon overnight oats for an easy breakfast. Or, for a fun twist on classic muffins, try these adorable mummy muffins that kids absolutely adore.

And if you’re exploring more ways to use apple cider in your cooking, don’t miss my refreshing grapefruit apple cider vinegar drink or this tangy apple cider vinegar coleslaw. For a unique global-inspired sip, this Brazilian mounjaro drink with apple cider vinegar is both refreshing and intriguing.

Baking these apple cider donut muffins is about more than following a recipe—it’s about creating moments of connection and comfort. I’d love to hear how yours turn out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make apple cider muffins with regular apples?

Absolutely! While reduced apple cider gives these muffins their signature flavor, you can also use unsweetened applesauce or finely diced apples for a similar taste and moist texture. For more apple inspiration, try my healthy apple snacks that use fresh apples in creative ways.

What makes baked donut muffins different from regular muffins?

Baked donut muffins have a denser, cake-like crumb and are often coated in cinnamon-sugar, mimicking the texture and flavor of traditional fried donuts. They’re a lighter, easier version you can whip up anytime!

How do I get fluffy cinnamon donut muffins from scratch?

The key is not overmixing the batter and properly reducing your apple cider to concentrate flavor without adding too much liquid. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh for maximum rise.

Can I make these muffins without sugar?

Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like monk fruit or steira blend. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, and the spices might need to be increased to compensate for less sweetness.

More Cozy Fall Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these apple cider donut muffins, here are a few more seasonal favorites that always bring comfort to my kitchen.

Spiced Pumpkin Muffins – Moist, warmly spiced, and perfect with a hot cup of coffee on a crisp morning.

Classic Blueberry Muffins – Bursting with juicy berries and topped with a sweet, crunchy streusel.

Spinach Banana Muffins – A sneaky-healthy option that kids love and parents feel good about.

Strawberry Protein Muffins – Packed with protein and fresh berry flavor for a satisfying snack.

Apple Cider Donut Muffins A Baked Fall Favorite