The Best Apple Donut Mini Muffins Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Sweet mornings spark with these delightful apple donut mini muffins that blend autumn’s warmth with breakfast charm.

Cinnamon-kissed batter captures the essence of homemade comfort in every tiny bite.

Crisp apples nestled within soft, golden muffins create a delectable dance of textures and flavors.

Baked to perfection, these miniature treats offer a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies morning cravings.

Each muffin promises a burst of fruity goodness wrapped in a tender, cake-like embrace.

The subtle hint of nutmeg and vanilla elevates these bite-sized delights from ordinary to extraordinary.

Whip up a batch and watch them disappear faster than you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top.

Apple Donut Mini Muffins: Why They’re So Addictive

• These mini muffins are perfect for grab-and-go snacking, making them ideal for busy mornings or afternoon treats.
• Kids will love the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating and soft apple-packed interior, creating a delightful breakfast or dessert everyone enjoys.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make this recipe approachable for novice bakers wanting to create something delicious without complicated steps.
• Adaptable for various occasions like brunches, potlucks, school events, or casual gatherings where a small, tasty bite is welcomed.

What You’ll Need for Apple Donut Mini Muffins

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the mini muffins.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the golden-brown color of the muffins.
• Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the muffins.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that give a delightful autumn-like flavor to the mini muffins.

• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the muffins.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender texture.
• Grated Apple: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a delicious sweet and spicy coating that gives the mini muffins a crispy exterior and extra flavor.

Mini Muffin Tools for Easy Baking

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and creating the muffin batter.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking wet ingredients together.
• Pastry cutter or fork: Crucial for cutting butter into flour mixture.
• Mini muffin pan: Specifically designed for creating small, bite-sized muffins.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: Helps evenly distribute batter into muffin wells.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Used for melting butter quickly and easily.
• Small bowls: Needed for preparing coating ingredients.
• Wire rack: Allows muffins to cool and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Whisk: Great for mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Toothpick: Helps check muffins for doneness.

How to Make Apple Donut Mini Muffins at Home

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Warm your oven to 375F (190C).

Spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Dry Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Whisk everything together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Work In Butter

Drop cold butter cubes into the dry mixture.

Smash and cut the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the texture looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Blend Wet Components

• Egg
• Milk
• Freshly grated apple

Mix until smooth and fully combined.

Step 5: Create Batter Magic

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir gently until just incorporated.

Remember, less mixing means fluffier muffins.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Wells

Scoop batter into mini muffin pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide pan into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare Delicious Coating

Melt butter in a small bowl.

In another bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.

Step 9: Transform Into Donut Muffins

Once muffins are slightly cooled, dunk each one in melted butter.

Roll immediately in cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 10: Cool And Serve

Place coated muffins on a wire rack.

Let them cool completely before enjoying these delectable treats.

Tips for Soft, Sweet Apple Muffins

• Stir batter gently and briefly to keep muffins tender and soft, stopping just when ingredients are combined to avoid tough texture.
• Use fresh, crisp apples and grate them right before mixing to prevent browning and maintain maximum moisture in the muffins.
• Insert a toothpick into muffin center – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, they're perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
• Ensure melted butter is warm but not hot when dipping muffins to help cinnamon sugar adhere evenly and create a delicious crispy exterior.
• Replace milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, maintaining the same delightful muffin texture.

Muffin Variations with Apple and More

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these muffins safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Variation: Swap egg with a flax egg, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil for a completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly version.
• Banana Swap: Substitute grated apple with mashed ripe bananas for a different fruity flavor profile that adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the dry ingredients and use Greek yogurt instead of milk to boost protein content for fitness enthusiasts.

Serving Ideas for Apple Donut Muffins

• Breakfast Companion: Pair these mini muffins with a warm cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Upgrade: Serve these apple donut muffins as a sweet ending to your meal, drizzled with caramel sauce or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Party Platter: Arrange the mini muffins on a decorative tray for brunch gatherings or potluck events, making them an irresistible finger food that guests will love.
• Kid-Friendly Snack: Pack these muffins in lunchboxes or enjoy as an after-school snack that offers a healthier alternative to traditional donuts while still satisfying sweet cravings.

Storing Apple Donut Mini Muffins for Freshness

• Place cooled muffins in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature, then warm in preheated 350F oven for 5-7 minutes. Restore crispness and bring back original texture without drying out.
• Reheat refrigerated or thawed muffins for 10-15 seconds on low power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs

• Are these muffins healthy?

These mini muffins contain fresh apple and have less sugar compared to traditional donuts. They’re a lighter, more nutritious breakfast or snack option with natural fruit and moderate sweetness.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can use any apple variety. Sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala work great, while tart apples like Granny Smith add more complex flavor. Just ensure the apple is finely grated.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! These mini muffins are perfect for children. They’re small, easy to handle, taste sweet, and have a fun donut-like coating that kids will love. The mini size makes them perfect for little hands.

Apple Donut Mini Muffins Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade apple donut mini muffins combine classic breakfast comfort with delightful seasonal flavors. Cinnamon-spiced batter and fresh apple chunks create irresistible miniature treats perfect for morning enjoyment or afternoon snacking.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (99 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 cup (60–70 g) grated apple (Gala recommended)
• 1 large egg

Leavening and Spices:

• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Ingredients and Coating:

• 1/3 cup (76 g) unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
• 1/4 cup milk (2% preferred)
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray.
2. Blend dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed.
3. Incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter, working until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Create a separate mixture by whisking egg, milk, and grated apple until thoroughly combined.
5. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed to prevent overmixing.
6. Distribute batter evenly into muffin wells, filling approximately two-thirds of each cavity using a cookie scoop.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until muffins develop a light golden color and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Prepare coating by melting butter in a microwave-safe bowl and mixing granulated sugar with cinnamon in a separate container.
9. After muffins cool slightly, dunk each one in melted butter, then roll completely in cinnamon-sugar mixture to create a sweet exterior.
10. Allow coated muffins to cool entirely on a wire rack before serving, ensuring a crisp and delightful texture.

Notes

• Grate apples just before mixing to prevent browning and maintain fresh flavor.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter consistency and even baking.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or honey for low-sugar diet.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 179
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 27 mg