Apple Donut Mini Muffins

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Indulge in the heavenly fusion of freshly grated apple, warm spices, and buttery goodness with our irresistible Apple Donut Mini Muffins. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, these bite-sized treats are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Dive into the recipe below and treat yourself to a culinary delight that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious!

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 into small pieces, 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

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk together until evenly distributed.
  3. 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.
  4. In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and grated apple until well combined.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to evenly distribute the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each well about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the muffins are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. While the muffins are baking, melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl.
  9. In another small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
  10. 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.
  11. Transfer the coated muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Nutrition:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 25-27 minutes | Servings: 24 mini muffins

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Enjoying Fresh: Enjoy these Apple Donut Mini Muffins fresh from the oven for the ultimate indulgence.
  2. Perfect Pairing: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
  3. Party Pleaser: Serve them at brunch gatherings or potluck parties for a crowd-pleasing dessert option.
  4. Presenting Perfection: Customize your serving presentation by arranging the muffins on a decorative platter or tiered stand.
  5. Extra Sweetness: Drizzle with a simple glaze or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
  6. Special Occasion: For a special occasion, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
  7. On-the-Go Snack: Pack them in lunchboxes or as snacks for on-the-go enjoyment.
  8. Homemade Gift: Share them with friends and family as homemade gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
  9. Topping Varieties: Experiment with different toppings such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
  10. Creative Uses: Get creative with serving suggestions by incorporating them into other recipes like trifle or bread pudding.

Storage Tips:

  1. Room Temperature Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  2. Refrigeration: To prolong freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  3. Freezing: Freeze cooled muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for long-term storage. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  4. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen muffins, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or until warmed through, or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Optimal Freshness: For optimal freshness, allow refrigerated or frozen muffins to come to room temperature before serving.

Variations:

  1. Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.
  2. Fruity Twist: Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness.
  3. Alternative Fruits: Substitute grated pear or carrot for the apple for a different flavor profile.
  4. Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a healthier alternative.
  5. Sparkling Finish: Sprinkle the muffins with coarse sugar before baking for a sparkling finish.
  6. Citrus Freshness: Stir in a tablespoon of lemon zest for a hint of citrus freshness.
  7. Decorative Touch: Top each muffin with a slice of apple before baking for a decorative touch.
  8. Rich Flavor: Swirl in a spoonful of apple butter or caramel sauce for a rich flavor.
  9. Glazed Variation: Replace the cinnamon sugar coating with a powdered sugar glaze for a different look and taste.
  10. Savory Twist: Create a savory version by omitting the sugar and spices and adding shredded cheddar cheese and cooked bacon bits to the batter.
  11. Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
  12. Fruity Burst: Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness.
  13. Alternative Fruit: Substitute grated pear or carrot for a unique flavor profile.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use other types of apples? Yes, feel free to use your favorite apple variety, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for different flavor profiles.
  2. Can I use melted coconut oil instead of butter? Yes, melted coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter for a dairy-free option.
  3. Can I make these muffins ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the muffin batter in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed when ready to enjoy.
  4. Can I use a regular-sized muffin pan instead of a mini muffin pan? Yes, you can adjust the baking time accordingly and bake them in a regular-sized muffin pan for larger muffins.
  5. Can I freeze the muffins after they’ve been coated in cinnamon sugar? Yes, you can freeze the muffins after coating them in cinnamon sugar. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag or container.
  6. Can I omit the nutmeg? Yes, you can omit the nutmeg if you prefer or substitute it with another warm spice like ginger or allspice.
  7. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk? Yes, almond milk or any other milk alternative can be used in place of regular milk.
  8. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of muffins. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
  9. Can I use frozen grated apple? Yes, you can use frozen grated apple. Thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the muffin batter.
  10. Can I skip dipping the muffins in butter before coating them in cinnamon sugar? While dipping the muffins in melted butter adds flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar coating adhere, you can skip this step if desired. However, the final texture and taste may vary slightly.

With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 10-12 minutes, these Apple Donut Mini Muffins are a quick and easy treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast alongside a hot cup of coffee or as a delightful afternoon snack, their irresistible flavor and fluffy texture are sure to impress. Try whipping up a batch today and savor the delightful taste of homemade goodness!