(Photo credit: NY Times Cooking)
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we have been busy bees prepping for
the last couple of weeks. In my family, we generally par-bake and half-cook and freeze so that the day-of preparation is a breeze (well, as breezy as cooking for 20 people can be).
I wanted to share a total crowd pleaser I make every year that satisfies kids and adults alike. It’s not the healthiest, but it is delicious.
Baked Apple Cider Donut Muffins (baked NOT fried, so….healthier) – NYT Cooking
Ingredients:
Cooking spray
1 ¾ cup AP flour
1 ¼ tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
2 sticks butter, softened
¾ cup light brown sugar
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ cup apple cider
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 12-cup muffin tins with cooking/baking spray.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, 1 tsp. cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix to combine and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl where you can use a hand mixer), cream 10 Tbsp. butter, brown sugar and ¼ cup sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time and mix until well incorporated after each addition, scraping the bowl as mecessary. Beat in vanilla.
Add the flour mixture to the web mixture and mix on low speed until incorporated. With mixer running, add the apple cider in a slow, steady stream and mix to combine. Scrape the bowl until everything is incorporated.
Spoon batter evenly into the muffin tins. Bake for 10-15 minutes (I know this is a broad range, but in my oven it takes 10 minutes, my mom’s takes closer to 15). Use a toothpick and remove the muffins when it comes out clean.
While muffins are in the oven, mix together the remaining ½ cup sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, melt the remaining 6 Tbsp. butter in the microwave. Let the donuts cool or a few minutes, then dip the tops into the butter, followed by the cinnamon/sugar mixture while they’re still warm.
These will not last long, I promise. Whether you make the apple cider donut muffins or a smorgasbord of your own family recipes, we wish you the happiest holiday full of food, fun, laughter, joy, family, friends and a heaping serving of gratitude. We’re grateful for you and wish you health and happiness this holiday season!
