Imagine biting into a warm, tender Apple Donut Mini Muffin 🍎, where the sweet tanginess of fresh apples meets the cozy comfort of a cinnamon-spiced donut. These aren't your ordinary mini muffins; they're a delightful cross between your favorite apple donuts and the softest muffins you've ever tasted. What makes this recipe truly shine is the use of real apples, diced into perfect little cubes, ensuring each muffin is bursting with juicy flavor. The addition of a cinnamon sugar dusting not only adds a delightful crunch but also elevates the muffins to a whole new level of deliciousness. It's the kind of treat that makes you pause for a moment, savoring the flavors and textures that dance across your palate. Perfect for any time of day, these Apple Donut Mini Muffins are sure to impress with their unique blend of flavors and textures, making them a must-try for anyone who loves a good twist on classic recipes.
Apple Donut Mini Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the tender texture of muffins with the sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating of donuts. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these mini muffins are easy to make and sure to please both kids and adults alike. The combination of grated apple and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gives these muffins a comforting and delicious flavor profile that is reminiscent of fall. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for a quick grab-and-go treat, Apple Donut Mini Muffins are a fantastic addition to any meal or snack time.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (99 g) granulated white sugar
- 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅓ cup (76 g) unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
- ½ cup (60-70 g) grated apple (Gala recommended)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk (2% preferred)
For the Cinnamon/Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated white sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and grated apple until well combined.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Pan
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to evenly distribute the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each well about two-thirds full.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the muffins are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Prepare Coating
While the muffins are baking, melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. In another small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
Step 9: Coat Muffins
Once the muffins are done baking and slightly cooled, dip each muffin into the melted butter, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll the muffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Transfer the coated muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your delicious Apple Donut Mini Muffins!
Serving and Storage Tips
These Apple Donut Mini Muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer warm muffins, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
If you want to freeze them, place the muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
Helpful Notes and Variations
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of apples, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a slightly different flavor. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Tips: Be sure not to overmix the batter to keep the muffins tender. If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can use two forks or even your hands to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients.
Quotes: “The combination of apple and cinnamon is always a winner,” says renowned pastry chef Mary Berry. “These mini muffins are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful snack.”