Baking Partners Challenge #3: Cupcakes or Muffins

It's that time of month again...Baking Partner Challenge.  This month it is Cupcakes or Muffins and I was so happy when I got the recipes....Pumpkin.  I love pumpkin, just ask my family I have been know to pumpkin them out. 

Of the 3 recipes I chose Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins which can also be made into a loaf which would be a wonderful gift for someone.  The recipe was very easy and fast to put together.  I decided to make a Apple Cider Glaze to add a little more flavor.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins with

Apple Cider Glaze

adapted from Joy of Baking

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 350º and place rack in the middle of the oven. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners or spray with a non stick vegetable spray.

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, ground spices and salt. In the bowl of your electric mixer or with a hand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. With the mixer on low speed add flour and pumpkin, alternating between the two in 3 additions, beginning and ending with flour.  Fold in chocolate chips. Fill the muffin cups evenly with the batter. Place in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until firm to the touch and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place on wire rack to cool.  For Loaf: Use a 9 inch loaf pan, butter or spray the loaf pan with a non stick vegetable spray for even more "yum" dust loaf pan with cinnamon sugar. Bake in a 350º oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. 

Apple Cider Glaze

1/3 cup butter

2 cups powdered sugar

pinch of salt

1/2 to 1 cup of apple cider

Heat butter and salt over low heat until it is melted and remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in the apple cider a little at a time until you get your desired consistency.  Dip muffins in glaze while muffins are still warm.  You can double dip the glaze letting the 1st glaze set up before dipping again.  Spoon glaze over top of loaf.