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Apple Cider Muffins

These soft and tender Apple Cider Muffins are packed with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and sweet apple cider flavor. Optional diced green apple adds fresh texture, while a cinnamon-sugar topping gives the muffins a lightly crisp, sweet finish. They are an easy and cozy choice for breakfast, snacks, brunch, or fall baking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 Muffins
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Muffins:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup apple cider
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 small green apple peeled, cored, and finely diced, optional
  • For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple cider, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the finely diced green apple if using.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
  7. Mix the cinnamon and sugar for the topping. Lightly brush the muffin tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool the muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter or the muffins may become dense.
Firm apples work best because they hold their shape during baking.
Granny Smith or another tart green apple works especially well.
Apple juice can replace apple cider, although cider provides a deeper apple flavor.
For extra sweetness, drizzle cooled muffins with a simple vanilla glaze.