Cinnamon-Streusel Cider Muffins

A thick sprinkling of streusel tops a pan of these quick and easy muffins. Their mild apple flavoring is sure to please all -- especially when they're served fresh from the oven.

For Streusel:

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 tablespoons cold butter

For Muffins:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 beaten egg

3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice

1/4 cup cooking oil

FOR STREUSEL:

Stir brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in small bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender. Set aside.

FOR MUFFINS:

Lightly oil twelve 2 1/2-inch muffin cups or line with paper baking cups; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center.

In a small mixing bowl combine egg, apple cider, and oil; add all at once to flour mixture. Stir just till moistened. (The batter should be lumpy.)

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the batter into each prepared muffin cup. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the brown sugar mixture over each. Fill with remaining batter. Sprinkle tops of muffins with remaining streusel.
Bake in a preheated 400° F oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove muffins from pans; cool slightly on racks.
Makes 12 muffins