Apple Cider Muffins Recipe
Introduction
Apple Cider Muffins are a delightful treat that captures the cozy flavors of autumn. Moist and spiced just right, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack any time of day.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/3 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 2 large eggs (room temperature, beaten)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, mixing well.
- Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, olive oil, apple cider, and milk until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Step 6: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Step 7: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: Once cooled, dip the tops of the muffins in the melted butter. Then, roll each top in the mixture of 3/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to coat.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor, or substitute with apple juice if cider isn’t available.
- For a nuttier texture, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
- Try substituting olive oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist.
- Make a streusel topping by mixing flour, butter, and brown sugar, then sprinkle on muffins before baking instead of the butter-sugar coating after baking.
Storage
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm muffins in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for 5-7 minutes.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use all apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, apple juice can be used as a substitute for apple cider, though cider tends to provide a deeper, more robust flavor due to its unfiltered nature.
Can I make these muffins vegan?
To make these muffins vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, use plant-based milk, substitute olive oil with a neutral vegetable oil, and use a vegan butter alternative for the topping.
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Apple Cider Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
These Apple Cider Muffins are a delightful autumn treat featuring warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Moist and tender on the inside with a sweet, cinnamon-sugar crust, they’re perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack paired with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/3 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (room temperature, beaten)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This blend creates the spiced base for the muffins.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, olive oil, apple cider (or apple juice), and whole milk until fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and flavor to the muffins.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender and light.
- Fill Muffin Tin and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool Muffins: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the muffins to rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Apply Topping: Once the muffins have cooled, melt the unsalted butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix the 3/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Dip the top of each muffin into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating the tops evenly for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs and milk ensures better batter mixing and fluffier muffins.
- You can substitute apple juice if you don’t have apple cider; the flavor will be slightly milder.
- Do not overmix the batter; it should be lumpy for tender muffins.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- The cinnamon sugar topping adds extra sweetness and texture but can be omitted for a simpler muffin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cider muffins, cinnamon muffins, spiced muffins, autumn muffins, breakfast muffins, easy muffin recipe

