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To make these delightful Apple Cider Glazed Donut Muffins, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup apple cider - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup apple sauce You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. For a gluten-free version, try a gluten-free flour blend. If you don’t have apple sauce, mashed bananas work well. Use maple syrup in place of granulated sugar for a unique flavor twist. Remember that these changes can alter the taste and texture slightly, so keep that in mind. Not all apples make great cider. I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They give a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. You can also mix different apple types for a richer flavor. Fuji apples add a nice sweetness, while tart apples like McIntosh can enhance the cider's zing. Aim for a mix that excites your taste buds! To start, boil the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat. This helps to bring out the apple flavor. Let it simmer until it reduces to about 1/3 cup, which takes around 10-15 minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your muffin tin by greasing it or using muffin liners. This ensures the muffins come out easily. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider. Mix until everything is well combined. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix. Overmixing can make muffins tough. Finally, fold in the apple sauce until the batter is smooth. Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready! Reducing apple cider is key to deepen the flavor of your muffins. Start by pouring the apple cider into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium flame until it boils. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overflow. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer. You want to reduce it to about 1/3 cup. This process takes 10-15 minutes. After it reduces, let it cool before mixing it into your batter. For the best texture, always measure your flour correctly. Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing it down. This helps keep your muffins light and fluffy. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. This includes eggs and butter. Mixing them well helps create a smooth batter. When baking, check your muffins a couple of minutes before the time is up. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on them. If they are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, they are done. Let them cool in the pan for just 5 minutes. This helps them set before transferring to a wire rack. To make the best glaze, use fresh apple cider. The cider adds flavor and sweetness. Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of the reduced cider. If you want a thinner glaze, add more cider. Drizzle the glaze over warm muffins. This allows it to soak in and enhance the flavor. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. This can result in tough muffins. Mix until just combined for a light texture. Another mistake is not reducing the apple cider enough. Make sure it reduces to about 1/3 cup. This step intensifies the apple flavor. Lastly, avoid skipping the cooling time for the muffins before glazing. Glazing too soon can make the glaze runny. To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store them longer, freeze the muffins. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven. {{image_2}} You can make these muffins special by adding fun ingredients. Try mixing in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a nice crunch. Diced apples will add extra moisture and a burst of flavor. You can also toss in mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist. For a spicier note, add a bit of ginger or cloves. These add-ins give you many options to create your own flavor. If you want a change from the apple cider glaze, consider other toppings. A maple glaze works great with these muffins. Just mix powdered sugar with maple syrup for a sweet touch. You can also sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for a classic flavor. For a fruity twist, try a lemon glaze by adding lemon juice to powdered sugar. These options make your muffins unique and delightful. You can switch things up by making mini muffins or donut shapes. If you use a mini muffin tin, bake for about 12-15 minutes. For donut shapes, use a donut pan and adjust the baking time to around 10-12 minutes. This gives you fun, bite-sized treats perfect for sharing. No matter the shape, the flavor stays delicious and sweet. These Apple Cider Glazed Donut Muffins shine next to warm drinks. Try pairing them with: - Hot apple cider - Freshly brewed coffee - Creamy chai latte - Cinnamon tea These drinks enhance the sweet and spiced flavors of the muffins. The warmth from the beverages complements the cozy muffin experience. Serve your muffins on a rustic wooden board. Add fresh apple slices for color and flair. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for that extra touch. This simple display makes the muffins inviting and fun. You can also use cute muffin liners for a festive look. If you have leftover muffins, don’t worry! Here are some fun ideas: - Crumble them over yogurt for breakfast. - Use them as a base for a trifle with whipped cream and fruit. - Freeze them for a tasty treat later. These options keep the muffins exciting and reduce waste. Enjoying every bite is the goal! Yes, you can make these muffins ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. You can also keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm them up in the microwave before serving. This makes them soft and tasty again. To check if the muffins are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they're ready. If the toothpick has batter on it, bake them a bit longer. Typically, they need about 18 to 20 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them as they bake. You want them golden brown on top. Yes, you can freeze these muffins! Once they cool, wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They will stay good for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight or microwave them for a quick treat. Enjoy their fresh taste even after freezing! You learned how to make delicious Apple Cider Glazed Donut Muffins. We covered the key ingredients and tips for the best results. You can customize flavors and glazes with various add-ins. To keep your muffins fresh, remember the best storage practices. Enjoy your muffins with lovely pairings or creative presentations. I hope these details inspire your baking. Now, go create something yummy!

Apple Cider Glazed Donut Muffins

Savor the taste of fall with these irresistible Apple Cider Glazed Donut Muffins! This delightful recipe combines the warmth of apple cider, spices, and a sweet glaze for a perfect treat. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, each muffin is a cozy bite of autumn goodness. Ready to indulge? Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy baking these delicious muffins today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup apple cider

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup apple sauce

Instructions
 

In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until it reduces to about 1/3 cup, approximately 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool.

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with muffin liners.

      In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the cooled apple cider reduction until well combined.

        In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

          Finally, fold in the apple sauce until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

            Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

              Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                While the muffins are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of reserved apple cider (you can use more cider if you prefer a thinner glaze).

                  Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Drizzle the apple cider glaze over the warm muffins while they're still warm, allowing it to soak in slightly.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 12 muffins

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the muffins on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an inviting presentation. Enjoy warm for a delightful treat!