Lunch: Apple-Vanilla Mini Muffins with Cider Glaze

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
Large pinch freshly grated nutmeg
1/3 cup light brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 small apple, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

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.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg together in a large bowl.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

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