Ingredients

For the Muffins

• 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240ml) apple cider
• ½ cup (120g) unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup peeled and finely diced apple (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)

Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Apple Cider Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons apple cider
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each muffin cup with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Cloves

Whisk until evenly combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together:

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Apple cider
• Applesauce
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined.

Avoid overmixing, as this can make the muffins dense.

Fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Pan

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

If using the cinnamon sugar topping, mix the sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle generously over each muffin before baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

The muffins should spring back lightly when touched.

Step 7: Cool

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.

Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

If adding the glaze, wait until the muffins have cooled slightly.

Step 8: Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze (Optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Powdered sugar
• Apple cider
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon

Mix until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins and allow it to set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Optional Variations

Apple Walnut Muffins

Fold ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.

Cranberry Apple Muffins

Add ½ cup dried cranberries for a sweet-tart flavor.

Oat Streusel Muffins

Top the muffins with a buttery oat streusel before baking for a bakery-style finish.

Maple Apple Cider Muffins

Replace the vanilla in the glaze with pure maple syrup for a rich autumn flavor.

Whole Wheat Apple Cider Muffins

Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Apple Cider Spice Muffins are delicious served with:

• Butter
• Apple butter
• Cream cheese
• Maple butter
• Honey
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh fruit
• Hot coffee
• Chai tea
• Hot apple cider

Storage

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freeze individually wrapped muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or warm gently before serving.

Reheating

Warm the muffins in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

If glazed, allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Spice Muffins

• Reduce the apple cider in a saucepan by half before adding it to the batter for a more concentrated apple flavor.
• Use fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture.
• Bring eggs and apple cider to room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Do not overmix the batter to ensure light, fluffy muffins.
• Sprinkle coarse cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a crisp, sweet crust.
• Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.
• Enjoy them warm with butter for the ultimate cozy fall treat.

Nutrition (Per Muffin – Approximate)

• Calories: 245
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 21g