Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Muffins are the perfect cozy treat to enjoy any time of day. These soft, fluffy muffins are filled with chunks of sweet apples and a warm cinnamon flavor, making them the ultimate comfort food. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins are easy to make and bursting with autumn-inspired goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Muffins are the epitome of fall baking, but they’re delicious year-round! The combination of tender apples and a hint of cinnamon creates a warm and flavorful muffin that’s perfectly balanced with sweetness. The muffins are light and fluffy, yet packed with texture from the apple pieces. Plus, they are simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are perfect for meal prep. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet treat during the day, these muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

For the muffins:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)

For the cinnamon-sugar topping (optional):

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

2. Make the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

3. Make the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and combined.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.

5. Add the apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Fill the muffin tin: Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

7. Make the topping (optional): In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the tops of the muffins for a sweet, crunchy topping.

8. Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs. Be careful not to overbake to keep them soft and moist.

9. Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 muffins.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 18-22 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch.

• Use brown sugar: Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar to enhance the flavor with a subtle caramel note.

• Dried fruit: For extra sweetness, add raisins or dried cranberries to the batter along with the apples.

• Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a deeper spiced flavor.

• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these muffins.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any variety of apple, but firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best in muffins because they hold their shape when baked.

Can I make these muffins without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use unsweetened applesauce as a binder.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can use non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk in place of regular milk.

How can I make the muffins extra moist?

For moister muffins, make sure not to overbake them, as this can dry them out. You can also add 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra moisture.

Can I make mini muffins?

Yes, you can make mini muffins by filling a mini muffin tin and reducing the baking time to 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Can I freeze the muffins before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked muffin batter. Scoop the batter into the muffin tin, freeze the tin until the muffins are solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I make these muffins fluffier?

To make your muffins fluffier, make sure not to overmix the batter and use fresh baking powder and baking soda. This will help the muffins rise properly.

Can I add a streusel topping?

Yes! You can make a simple streusel topping by combining ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle it over the muffins before baking for an extra crumbly, sweet topping.

How do I keep the muffins from sticking to the liners?

To prevent sticking, you can lightly grease the muffin liners or use parchment paper liners, which tend to be non-stick.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, these muffins store well and can be made ahead. They will stay fresh for a couple of days at room temperature or can be stored in the freezer for longer-term storage.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a delightful and comforting treat that everyone will love. With their soft texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and chunks of juicy apples, these muffins are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a homemade gift. The recipe is simple, adaptable, and always delicious, making it a must-have in your baking repertoire. So grab those apples, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch of these irresistible muffins today!