Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of a Brown Butter Apple Cider Donut Muffin with a bite taken out, showing the soft interior.

Brown Butter Apple Cider Donut Muffins

These muffins combine the warm flavors of apple cider and brown butter for a comforting treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Muffins
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and browned
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Topping
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Paper liners
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the browned butter and sugar until combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider and sour cream.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  6. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour in the apple cider mixture and mix. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. While the muffins bake, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
  10. Once the muffins are out of the oven, let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. Brush the tops of the warm muffins with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  11. Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an extra donut-like flavor, you can toss the warm muffins in additional cinnamon sugar after brushing them with the melted butter mixture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!