Apple Cider Muffins
Apple Cider Muffins are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, dessert, or even a cozy afternoon snack. With their rich apple flavor infused with aromatic spices, these muffins are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether paired with a warm cup of coffee or enjoyed alone, they stand out as a comforting option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: These muffins are packed with apple goodness and fragrant spices that create a comforting taste experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have fresh muffins ready in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacks, these muffins can be enjoyed anytime.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet taste and inviting aroma of these delightful muffins.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for later; they’ll taste just as fresh when you reheat them!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking Apple Cider Muffins easy and fun. Here’s what you need to get started.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Why These Tools Matter
- Muffin tin: Ensures even baking and perfect muffin shapes every time.
- Mixing bowls: Make it easy to combine dry and wet ingredients separately for better texture.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter for fluffy muffins.
- Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients without overmixing.
Ingredients
Apple Cider Muffins are full of apple flavor with apple pie spice and apple cider and are the perfect treat to have with a cup of coffee, as a dessert, or even to just satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
– 2 large eggs, (room temperature, beaten)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– ½ cup (124 g) apple cider, (or apple juice)
– ¼ cup (61 g) whole milk, (room temperature)
– ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, (melted)
– ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon apple pie spice

How to Make Apple Cider Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with liners to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. all-purpose flour
2. granulated sugar
3. baking powder
4. kosher salt
5. apple pie spice
Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
1. Beaten eggs
2. vegetable oil
3. apple cider, (or apple juice)
4. whole milk
Make sure everything is combined smoothly.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until very few lumps remain; do not overmix—the batter will be slightly runny.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Tin
Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter. This allows room for rising while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-22 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean.
Step 7: Cool and Coat
Remove from the oven and let rest in the pan for about five minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Once cooled:
1. Melt some butter in a small bowl.
2. In another bowl, combine remaining sugar and apple pie spice.
3. Dip muffin tops in melted butter then roll in the sugar-spice mixture to coat completely.
Enjoy your Apple Cider Muffins fresh or store them for later!
How to Serve Apple Cider Muffins
Apple Cider Muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins pair beautifully with numerous accompaniments.
With Coffee
- A warm muffin alongside your morning coffee enhances the flavors and makes for a delightful start to the day.
As a Dessert
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to elevate your muffin into a delicious dessert option.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pair with slices of fresh apples or pears for a refreshing contrast that complements the muffin’s sweetness.
For Brunch
- Include Apple Cider Muffins in your brunch spread alongside yogurt and granola for a balanced meal.
With Cheese
- Enjoy with a slice of sharp cheddar or creamy brie for an unexpected but tasty combination.
Warmed Up
- Slightly warm the muffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to enhance their flavor and texture.
How to Perfect Apple Cider Muffins
To ensure your Apple Cider Muffins come out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and high-quality apple cider will greatly improve the flavor of your muffins.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense muffins.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
- Check doneness early: Start checking for doneness at the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Cool properly: Allow muffins to cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack; this helps maintain their texture.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of apple pie spice based on your taste preference for more warmth or sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Muffins
While Apple Cider Muffins are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create an even more enjoyable experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt adds protein and balances sweetness.
- Cinnamon Applesauce: This warm treat complements the apple flavor in muffins perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and color to your meal.
- Honey Butter Spread: The sweet richness of honey butter enhances each bite of muffin.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs wonderfully.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: For a protein boost, serve hard-boiled eggs alongside muffins as part of breakfast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Apple Cider Muffins can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Avoiding these will ensure your muffins turn out perfectly every time.
- Boldly skip measuring ingredients: Not measuring ingredients precisely can lead to inconsistent results. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
- Boldly overlook room temperature ingredients: Using cold ingredients can affect the batter’s texture. Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
- Boldly overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause dense muffins. Mix just until you see a few lumps remaining for a light and fluffy texture.
- Boldly neglect muffin tin preparation: Failing to line or grease the muffin tin may result in sticking. Use liners or cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
- Boldly ignore baking times: Every oven is different, so relying solely on baking time can lead to undercooked or overbaked muffins. Start checking a few minutes early with a toothpick.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Apple Cider Muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing Apple Cider Muffins
- Allow muffins to cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Apple Cider Muffins
- Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm muffins for about 10 minutes for best results.
- Bold Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 15-20 seconds; watch closely to avoid drying out.
- Bold Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are Apple Cider Muffins?
Apple Cider Muffins are delicious baked treats made with apple cider, flour, sugar, and warm spices. They are perfect for breakfast or as a snack!
Can I customize the Apple Cider Muffins?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, raisins, or even replace apple cider with apple juice for variations in flavor.
How do I know when my muffins are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs attached, they are ready!
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour while following the same recipe.
How should I store leftover muffins?
Store leftover Apple Cider Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Conclusion
Apple Cider Muffins offer a wonderful balance of sweetness and spice that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with coffee or as an afternoon treat, these muffins are sure to please everyone. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruits for extra flair!
Apple Cider Muffins
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Apple Cider Muffins, a delightful treat perfect for any time of day. These muffins boast a rich apple flavor enhanced by aromatic spices, making them an irresistible choice for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack. Their fluffy texture pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, ensuring that each bite is not only delicious but also satisfying. Whether you’re preparing for a family brunch or simply treating yourself, this easy recipe will leave everyone craving more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Desserts & Sweets
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup apple cider (or apple juice)
- ¼ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the beaten eggs, vegetable oil, apple cider (or juice), and whole milk until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fill each muffin cup two-thirds full with batter and bake for 20-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack. Optionally coat them in melted butter mixed with sugar and apple pie spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg