Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of spices and sweet apples, these Apple Cinnamon Muffins are an absolute must-try. Bursting with tender chunks of fresh apple and infused with fragrant cinnamon, they strike the perfect balance between moist, fluffy texture and a crunchy, sugary topping. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, snack time, or a casual dessert, this recipe brings delightful homemade goodness that’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Apple Cinnamon Muffins lies in their straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor depth, and that inviting golden color you’ll love biting into.

• 1 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for fluffy muffins while lightly coating the apples.
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the muffins rise to a perfect height and light consistency.
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives that signature warmth and spice essential for this recipe.
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar: Adds sweetness plus subtle caramel notes for depth.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the muffin tender and rich.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Elevates the sweetness and complements apple and cinnamon flavors.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Creates a moist texture and adds a buttery richness.
• 2 cups finely diced apple, peeled Golden Delicious or yellow apple: This fresh ingredient shines through with juicy sweetness and tender bites throughout the muffins.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping): Used for the luscious cinnamon-sugar coating on top.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Mixes with cinnamon for a crispy, sweet topping.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping): Reinforces the cinnamon flavor with a delightful crunch.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, grease your 12-cup muffin tin and line it with muffin liners. This preparation ensures your muffins will bake evenly and come out effortlessly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine sea salt, and the first teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This combination ensures the spice and leavening are well distributed throughout your batter.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar with the eggs until smooth, then add the milk and vanilla extract. Slowly whisk in the melted butter to bring richness and moisture to the batter. It’s important the butter isn’t too hot here to avoid cooking the eggs.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Use a sturdy spoon to gently incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir just until everything comes together — a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can make the muffins tough, so keep it gentle!

Step 5: Add the Apples

Toss the diced apples in the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour. This simple step prevents them from sinking straight to the bottom during baking. Then fold the floured apple pieces into the batter with care.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly into the muffin liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Drop a scant tablespoon of the cinnamon-sugar crumble topping on each muffin, then place the tray in the oven for 15 minutes. When done, allow the muffins to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.

Step 7: Prepare and Add the Topping

Mix the remaining melted butter with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Dip the tops of the warm muffins into the butter and then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This creates that irresistible crispy-sweet crust that finishes these Apple Cinnamon Muffins so perfectly.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Garnishes

Fresh apple slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a beautiful touch when serving. For an extra cozy vibe, drizzle with a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or cream cheese frosting for a richer sweetness.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a spiced apple cider. For brunch, try serving them alongside creamy yogurt and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness and add freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn these into a fun brunch centerpiece? Arrange the Apple Cinnamon Muffins on a tiered stand surrounded by seasonal fruits and nuts. You can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple, indulgent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Apple Cinnamon Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their moist, tender texture without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these muffins later, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm your muffins gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and soften the topping. A quick reheat makes them taste like they’ve just come out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for these muffins?

Absolutely! While Golden Delicious or yellow apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture, Granny Smith or Fuji also work well if you prefer a tarter or firmer bite. Just make sure to dice them finely.

What if I don’t have light brown sugar?

You can substitute dark brown sugar or even white granulated sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different. Light brown sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor that complements cinnamon and apples perfectly.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How do I prevent the muffins from being dry?

The key is not to overmix the batter and to bake them just the right amount of time. Also, using fresh apples and the melted butter adds moisture that keeps each bite tender.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, and raisins provide bursts of sweetness. Fold in about 1/2 cup of your choice into the batter along with the apples.

Final Thoughts

With their perfect combination of tender crumb, warm cinnamon, and juicy apples, these Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a heartwarming treat you’ll want to bake time and time again. They’re straightforward to make yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen too!

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