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Crispy Brown Butter Apple Cider Donut Muffins

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These crispy brown butter apple cider donut muffins offer a perfect balance of crispy edges and moist, flavorful insides with warm autumn spices and fresh apple cider. A quick and easy homemade treat that tastes like a cozy fall morning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, browned
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh apple cider
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 medium apple, peeled and diced (Fuji or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • Optional topping: 2 tbsp granulated sugar mixed with 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Place ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it turns a deep golden brown with nutty aromas, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and browned butter until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
  5. Slowly pour in apple cider, mixing gently.
  6. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Gently fold in the diced apple.
  8. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups, filling about ¾ full.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping on each muffin.
  10. Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  11. Cool muffins in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to maintain crispy edges.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender. Cooling on a wire rack helps maintain crispy edges. For gluten-free, substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter or coconut oil and adjust browning time accordingly. Drain diced apples if very juicy to avoid soggy muffins.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, apple cider, donut muffins, autumn recipe, crispy muffins, homemade treats, fall baking

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-brown-butter-apple-cider-donut-muffins-recipe-easy-homemade-treats/