Apple Cider Muffins Recipe: A Cozy Fall Treat

If you’re looking for a comforting treat that’s perfect for fall, look no further than these Apple Cider Muffins. With the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, these muffins are a great way to enjoy the delicious taste of apple cider in a soft, fluffy, and slightly spiced muffin. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, and they’ll fill your kitchen with the warm, cozy aroma of fall. Let’s get started with this easy-to-follow recipe that’ll have you enjoying these apple cider muffins in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup apple cider (fresh or store-bought)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and chopped (optional, but highly recommended for added texture)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth and well combined. Add the egg, apple cider, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine. If you’re adding chopped apple, fold it in gently at this point.
5. Scoop the Batter:
   Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake:
   Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking.
7. Cool and Serve:
   Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the comforting flavors of apple cider and spices.

Recipe Notes:

• Apple Cider: For the best flavor, use fresh apple cider if available. The cider adds moisture and a deep, fruity taste to the muffins. If you can’t find cider, you can substitute it with apple juice, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
• Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg add that cozy, fall-like flavor, but feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger for a bit of extra warmth.
• Apples: Adding fresh apple pieces is optional, but it gives the muffins extra texture and a lovely burst of fresh apple flavor in every bite. If you’re using apples, make sure to chop them into small pieces so they bake evenly.

Time & Servings:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Makes 12 muffins

Storage:

Store your apple cider muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best eaten within the first 2 days to enjoy their soft texture and fresh flavor. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them! Just place the muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven for a couple of minutes.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving):

• Calories: 180-200 kcal (depending on size and ingredients)
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect:

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can result in dense muffins, so keep it light and fluffy!
• Customize the Recipe: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great), dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of oats on top for some extra texture.
• Apple Variations: If you’re using a different type of apple (e.g., Granny Smith or Gala), keep in mind that tart apples like Granny Smith will add a slight contrast to the sweetness of the muffins, while sweeter apples will make them even more indulgent.

How to Serve:

These apple cider muffins are perfect as a breakfast treat with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also make a delicious snack or even a light dessert. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special touch.

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Muffin tin
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or ice cream scoop
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

FAQs:

1. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
   Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.
2. Can I use store-bought apple juice instead of apple cider?
   Yes, you can use apple juice in place of apple cider, but the flavor won’t be as deep and rich. If you use apple juice, consider adding a bit of extra spice to make up for the flavor difference.
3. How can I make these muffins sweeter?
   If you prefer sweeter muffins, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or drizzle honey on top after baking.
4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
   While the batter is best used fresh, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking for even results.
5. Can I add frosting to these muffins?
   Absolutely! A light cream cheese frosting or a glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider would complement the flavors of the muffins perfectly.

Final Thoughts:

These apple cider muffins are the kind of cozy, no-fuss treat that makes fall mornings feel extra special. Lightly spiced, tender, and full of apple flavor, they’re versatile enough for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert with a little drizzle of caramel or glaze. What makes them so great is their balance of warmth and sweetness—you get the comforting taste of cinnamon and cider without it being overwhelming. Whether you bake them for your family, a fall gathering, or just to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, these muffins are a simple yet delicious way to bring the flavors of the season right into your kitchen.