Apple Cider Donut Mini Muffins

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These delightful Apple Cider Donut Mini Muffins are the perfect bite-sized treat for your Thanksgiving festivities. Bursting with rich apple flavor and warm spices, they capture the essence of fall in every fluffy, sweet morsel. These easy-to-make mini muffins are ideal for kids and adults alike, making them a fun addition to your holiday baking lineup. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!

Olivia Hayes

Created by

Olivia Hayes

Last updated on 2025-11-17T07:19:57.075Z

Apple Cider Donut Mini Muffins are a seasonal favorite that encapsulates the flavors of fall. These little treats are perfect for sharing during Thanksgiving dinners or holiday gatherings.

The Joy of Mini Muffins

Mini muffins offer an ideal balance of flavor and texture in a bite-sized form. Unlike regular muffins, their small size makes them perfect for snacking, sharing, or serving at gatherings. These Apple Cider Donut Mini Muffins are a delightful way to indulge in seasonal flavors without feeling guilty. Their compact nature allows you to enjoy a taste of fall without overindulging, making them a popular choice for family and friends.

These mini muffins are not just for adults; kids love them too! Their fun size encourages little hands to grab a few during festive occasions or school lunches. The warm aroma of spiced apples wafting through your kitchen will draw everyone in, making it the perfect addition to your holiday baking traditions.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, a cozy family gathering, or simply want to enjoy a sweet treat during the season, these mini muffins are versatile. They can be served warm alongside coffee or tea for a comforting morning treat. Alternatively, they can stand out on a dessert table, adding a festive touch.

Moreover, they are easy to make, requiring minimal prep and cook time. You can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, allowing you to bake fresh treats on a whim. Their delightful flavor and inviting appearance make them the go-to choice for both planned events and spontaneous celebrations.

Customizing Your Muffins

While this recipe highlights the scrumptious apple cider flavor, don't hesitate to get creative! Consider adding walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture, or toss in some raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness. The base of this muffin is versatile enough to accommodate various mix-ins without compromising the core taste.

For a more decadent treat, drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled muffins. A vanilla or caramel glaze pairs beautifully with the spiced flavors and adds a touch of indulgence. Feel free to experiment; each modification can create a uniquely memorable muffin experience tailored to your taste!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Apple Cider Donut Mini Muffins:

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup apple cider
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your muffins:

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and whisk together.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the apple cider, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare Topping

While muffins cool, mix powdered sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Coat Muffins

Once the muffins are slightly cooled, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Enjoy your delicious mini muffins warm!

Storage Tips

To keep your Apple Cider Donut Mini Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to three days without losing their delightful texture. If you find yourself with leftovers, consider freezing them to prolong their freshness.

For freezing, allow the muffins to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair these mini muffins with a hot cup of apple cider or a spiced chai latte for a comforting fall experience. The warm spices in the muffins complement the rich flavors of these beverages, enhancing the seasonal theme. You might also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.

For a more savory option, consider offering a cheese platter alongside your muffins. Cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or creamy brie provide a great contrast to the sweetness of the muffins, making for an interesting appetizer spread that delights the taste buds.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

→ How should I store these muffins?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Apple Cider Donut Mini Muffins

These delightful Apple Cider Donut Mini Muffins are the perfect bite-sized treat for your Thanksgiving festivities. Bursting with rich apple flavor and warm spices, they capture the essence of fall in every fluffy, sweet morsel. These easy-to-make mini muffins are ideal for kids and adults alike, making them a fun addition to your holiday baking lineup. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time27 minutes

Created by: Olivia Hayes

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 mini muffins

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

  1. 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  4. ½ teaspoon baking soda
  5. ½ teaspoon salt
  6. ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  7. ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

  1. ½ cup apple cider
  2. ¼ cup vegetable oil
  3. 2 large eggs
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

  1. ½ cup powdered sugar
  2. 1 teaspoon cinnamon

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and whisk together.

Step 02

In another bowl, whisk together the apple cider, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Step 03

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Step 04

Spoon the batter into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

Step 05

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 06

While muffins cool, mix powdered sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Step 07

Once the muffins are slightly cooled, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 2g