There’s just something magical about fall, isn’t there? The crisp air, the changing leaves, and those incredible cozy flavors that just wrap around you like a warm blanket. For me, nothing screams autumn quite like apple cider and cinnamon. That’s why these Mini Apple Cider Donut Muffins are such a favorite in our house.

They capture all that wonderful fall feeling in one tiny, perfect bite. They’re soft and moist, with that lovely hint of spice that makes you want to curl up with a hot drink. And honestly? They are so ridiculously easy to make! You get all the flavor of a donut without any of the fuss of frying.

Making these mini apple cider donut muffins always brings back sweet memories for me. I remember the first time I made them with my younger sister. We were giggling as we spooned the batter into the tiny cups, and the whole kitchen just smelled incredible. It felt like one of those simple, perfect moments that our grandmother always talked about – just being together and making something sweet.

They’re truly a perfect treat for sharing, whether you’re bringing them to a get-together or just enjoying them with your family on a lazy weekend morning. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Mini Apple Cider Donut Muffins

They are incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for busy days.
You get that amazing donut taste and texture without any frying.
The warm fall flavors of apple cider and spice are just so comforting.
They’re mini, making them perfect for grabbing on the go or sharing.
Everyone just loves these little bites of deliciousness!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Mini Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Okay, let’s get everything ready to make these little beauties! You probably have most of these things in your pantry already, which is why I love this recipe so much. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup reduced apple cider (we’ll talk about how to do this!)

Having everything measured out before you start makes the whole process go so smoothly.

Equipment Needed for Perfect Mini Apple Cider Donut Muffins

You won’t need anything fancy to make these delightful mini apple cider donut muffins. Just a few basic kitchen tools will do the trick! Here’s what I use:

A mini muffin tin
Mixing bowls (one medium, one large, one small)
A whisk
A hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
A wire rack for cooling
A small saucepan (if you’re reducing your own cider)

Having these ready makes baking a breeze!

How to Prepare Your Mini Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Alright, let’s turn those lovely ingredients into delicious mini apple cider donut muffins! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm batch ready in no time.

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Don’t forget to grease your mini muffin tin really well. This helps those little muffins pop right out.
In your medium bowl, whisk together all the dry stuff: the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Give it a good mix so everything is combined evenly.
Now, grab your large bowl. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it looks light and fluffy. I usually use my hand mixer for this, it makes it super easy!
Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract next. Make sure they are fully mixed into the butter and sugar.
In that small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and your reduced apple cider. This is where the magic happens with that apple flavor!
Now we’ll add the dry and wet ingredients to the butter mixture. You’ll add them a little at a time, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can make your muffins tough, and we want them tender.
Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin cups. Fill each one about two-thirds full. They will rise nicely.
Pop the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the tin for just a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Want that classic donut finish? While they’re still warm, you can brush them with melted butter and roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. It’s totally optional, but oh-so-good!

Tips for Making the Best Mini Apple Cider Donut Muffins

I’ve made these mini apple cider donut muffins more times than I can count, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that really make a difference. Here are my best tips for getting perfect results every time:

Don’t Overmix! This is probably the most important tip for any muffin recipe. Once you add the wet and dry ingredients together, mix just until you don’t see any dry streaks of flour. A few small lumps are totally fine! Overmixing develops the gluten too much and can make your muffins tough.
Reduce Your Cider Properly. Reducing the apple cider concentrates that lovely flavor. Just simmer 2 cups of cider until it becomes a thicker, more syrupy 1/2 cup. Let it cool before adding it to the batter. This step is key for that deep apple taste.
Check for Doneness. Ovens can vary, so always use that toothpick test! Insert a clean toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. If there’s wet batter, give them another minute or two.

Following these simple tips will help you create the most delicious, tender mini apple cider donut muffins!

Variations on Your Mini Apple Cider Donut Muffins

While these mini apple cider donut muffins are delicious just as they are, sometimes it’s fun to play around! Here are a few ideas if you want to change things up a bit:

Add some apple pieces: Fold in about 1/4 cup of finely diced fresh apple to the batter for little bursts of apple flavor.
Change the spices: If you love ginger, add a pinch! Or swap the allspice for ground cloves for a slightly different warmth.
Try a glaze: Instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating, mix powdered sugar with a little apple cider or milk for a simple drizzle.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these your own!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Apple Cider Donut Muffins

I know you might have a few questions as you bake these mini apple cider donut muffins! Here are some common ones I get asked:

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider? You can, but the flavor won’t be as intense. Apple cider has a richer, more complex taste that works really well here. If you do use juice, make sure to reduce it the same way.
How should I store these muffins? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
Can I freeze these mini muffins? Absolutely! Once they’re completely cooled, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven.
Can I make regular-sized apple cider donut muffins with this recipe? Yes! This recipe will make about 12 regular-sized muffins. You’ll need to bake them for a bit longer, probably around 18-22 minutes. Just do the toothpick test to be sure they are done.

Hope these answers help make your baking even easier!

Estimated Nutritional Information

I know some of you like to keep track of nutritional information, and I totally get that! However, please keep in mind that any nutritional values for these mini apple cider donut muffins would just be estimates.

Things like the specific brands of ingredients you use and even small variations in how you measure can change the numbers. Because of that, I don’t provide exact counts for calories, sugar, or other nutritional facts here.

Think of this recipe as a lovely treat to enjoy in moderation!

Share Your Mini Apple Cider Donut Muffins

I truly hope you love these mini apple cider donut muffins as much as my family and I do! There’s nothing better than sharing something you’ve made with love.

Once you bake a batch, I’d be absolutely thrilled if you’d come back and leave a comment below. Let me know how they turned out for you! Did you try any variations? What did you think of the cinnamon-sugar coating?

Even better, snap a picture of your delicious creations and share them on social media! Tag us and show off your baking success. Your feedback and photos make my day!