Apple-Vanilla Mini Muffins with Cider Glaze - PCOS-Friendly Recipe

For the apple-vanilla muffins: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and center an oven rack. Line a mini-muffin tray with your favorite liners.

Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg together in a large bowl.

Combine the sugar, butter and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle (or in a large bowl if using a hand mixer). Beat on medium-high speed until light and creamy, about 4 minutes, scraping as needed. Add the egg and beat until incorporated (don't worry if the batter curdles). Adjust to medium-low speed and alternate adding the flour mixture and the sour cream in batches, beginning and ending with the flour. Fold in the apples using a spatula.

Grease a small ice-cream scoop (about 1 1/4 inches) with nonstick spray and fill the liners about 3/4 of the way to the top.

Bake, rotating halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the muffins comes out clean and the tops spring back when touched, 10 to 12 minutes. Let rest in the hot muffin pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

For the cider glaze: Boil the cider with the cinnamon stick over medium-high heat until the cider is reduced to about 1/2 cup, about 20 minutes. Whisk in the honey and continue to boil until the liquid is syrupy and just coats the back of a spoon, 4 to 5 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick and remove from the heat. Whisk in the confectioners' sugar and transfer to a small bowl. Let sit until slightly set but still warm, about 3 minutes.

Dip the tops of the muffins in the glaze and serve.

Cook's Note: Small, crisp apples like Gala or Pink Ladies are perfect for these little muffins.