Apple Cider Donut Cupcakes

Apple cider donut cupcakes capture the cozy, spiced flavors of fall in a perfectly portioned treat. These cupcakes blend the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider into a moist and fluffy base, reminiscent of your favorite apple cider donuts. With a cinnamon sugar coating or an apple cider glaze, these cupcakes are perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving desserts, or simply indulging in the seasonal flavors with a cup of coffee or cider.

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

For the topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a simmer and reduce it by half, until you have about ¾ cup. Let it cool to room temperature.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
3. Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and cooled reduced apple cider, until the batter is smooth.
6. Bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the tops of each cooled cupcake with melted butter and dip them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that classic donut flavor.

Optional Glaze:

You can also drizzle a simple apple cider glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of apple cider for an extra sweet touch!

Enjoy your apple cider donut cupcakes as a delightful fall treat that blends the best of cupcakes and cider donuts into one!