If you’re ready to wrap your kitchen in cozy scents and bake up something irresistibly homey, look no further than these Apple Cinnamon Muffins. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tender apples and warming cinnamon, perfectly packaged in a soft, golden muffin. Whether you’re treating yourself to a comforting breakfast or surprising a friend with a homemade snack, these muffins are guaranteed to brighten any day. Get ready to savor one of the most beloved flavor pairings, all in just 35 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s celebrate how straightforward yet thoughtful this ingredient list is: each one truly makes these Apple Cinnamon Muffins shine. From the warming spices to the juicy apples, every ingredient brings its own magic, resulting in muffins you’ll want to bake again and again.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation of your muffins, giving them their wonderful crumb and shape.
- Baking powder: Provides a lovely lift for perfectly domed muffins every time.
- Baking soda: Works with the baking powder to create that dreamy, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Just a little brings out all the other flavors and keeps things balanced.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart and soul of these muffins, lending warmth and classic flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds an extra layer of cozy spice, making each bite more interesting.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Gives your muffins rich flavor plus a tender, moist crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens things up and helps with a light, delicate texture.
- Packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a touch of caramel sweetness that’s just divine.
- Large eggs: Helps bind the muffins and creates that soft, springy bite.
- Vanilla extract: A dash adds roundness and depth, complementing the spices and apples beautifully.
- Milk: Keeps the batter supple and moist, for muffins that stay soft.
- Peeled and finely chopped apples: Use about 2 medium apples for a burst of juiciness and tart-sweet flavor.
- Coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar for topping (optional): Sprinkling this on top adds sparkle and a fun little crunch.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or give each cup a light greasing. This will ensure your Apple Cinnamon Muffins release perfectly once they’re baked and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This not only blends your leaveners and spices evenly, but it gives the muffins that signature warm, spiced flavor in every nibble.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is crucial for creating that tender crumb in your muffins, and the combination of two sugars gives the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This step guarantees a smooth, cohesive batter that’s ready for the next round of flavor.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until the batter comes together — overmixing can make the muffins tough, so stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples with a spatula. Take care not to overwork the batter; you want each Apple Cinnamon Muffin to have juicy bites of apple tucked throughout.
Step 7: Fill and Top the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. For an extra treat, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar if you like — it adds a twinkle and a bit of crunch to each muffin.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Pop your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes; then carefully transfer to a wire rack so they can cool completely (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Garnishes
Nothing beats the rustic look of a freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Muffin with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top. For a little something special, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or even a few thinly sliced apple rounds arranged on the plate. These extra touches make your muffins look just as delightful as they taste!
Side Dishes
Apple Cinnamon Muffins pair beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee, chai latte, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a heartier meal, serve with Greek yogurt and a handful of fresh berries on the side — the contrast is heavenly. They also work splendidly alongside a savory omelet or crisp bacon for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Serve your muffins in a cozy breakfast basket lined with a cloth napkin or tuck them into a pretty cake stand alongside fresh fruit. If you’re entertaining, slice a muffin in half and show off those tender apple bits by adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt in between. Apple Cinnamon Muffins also make lovely gifts wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Cinnamon Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful, especially if you tuck in a paper towel to help absorb any excess moisture.
Freezing
These muffins are freezer-friendly! Let them cool completely, then pop them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To prevent sticking, place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers if you’re stacking them.
Reheating
For that just-baked magic, reheat Apple Cinnamon Muffins in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or warm them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5–8 minutes. A quick reheat will revive their softness and bring the cozy aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting back into your kitchen.
FAQs
What are the best apples to use in Apple Cinnamon Muffins?
A combination of sweet and tart apples works beautifully. Try mixing Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Fuji for nuanced flavor and great texture. Just make sure to peel and finely chop them for the best results.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite non-dairy butter and plant-based milk. The outcome is still deliciously tender, and the cinnamon-apple goodness shines through just as much.
How do I prevent my muffins from being dry?
The key is to avoid overmixing the batter and to measure your flour carefully by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off. Also, make sure not to overbake; start checking for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?
Definitely! Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins in step 6 with the apples for extra texture and flavor. You can also use dried cranberries for a fun twist.
Are these Apple Cinnamon Muffins suitable for kids?
These muffins are a family favorite! They’re sweet, soft, and full of fruit, making them ideal for lunchboxes or as an after-school snack for kids (and adults) of all ages.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for something heartwarming and easy, these Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a must-bake. There’s nothing like the aroma of cinnamon and apples to lift your spirits, so roll up your sleeves and give this cozy classic a try. Happy baking!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. They are moist, flavorful, and filled with chunks of fresh apples and warm spices.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Additional:
- 1 ½ cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- Coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Beat Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in chopped apples.
- Bake: Divide batter among muffin cups and bake for 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These muffins are delicious warm or at room temperature.
- You can use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more flavor depth.
- Muffins freeze well for up to 2 months.
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