Apple Cinnamon Muffins

These apple cinnamon muffins are tender, moist, and bursting with warm autumn flavors. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, they combine the sweetness of fresh apples with the comforting spice of cinnamon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are incredibly easy to prepare and require simple pantry staples. The combination of diced apples and ground cinnamon creates a delightful texture and flavor. They bake quickly, making them ideal for busy mornings, and they stay moist for days. Whether you serve them warm with butter or pack them for lunch, these muffins are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• all-purpose flour

• granulated sugar

• baking powder

• ground cinnamon

• salt

• milk

• unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• large egg

• vanilla extract

• peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.

6. Divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

8. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

• Add a streusel topping made from flour, brown sugar, and butter for extra crunch.

• Stir in chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for added texture.

• Use pears instead of apples for a milder, sweeter flavor.

• Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over cooled muffins for a sweet finish.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 12 muffins

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Baking time: 20–25 minutes

• Total time: approximately 40 minutes

storage/reheating

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months (individually wrap muffins in plastic wrap before freezing). To reheat, microwave a muffin for 10–15 seconds or warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for these muffins?

Firm, crisp apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I substitute applesauce for fresh apples?

You can replace half the diced apples with unsweetened applesauce, but the texture will be moister and less chunky.

How can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Is it possible to make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat) and use a plant-based butter or coconut oil in place of the melted butter.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?

You can mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another, then cover and refrigerate both. Combine and bake the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the batter is cold.

How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

Can I make mini muffins instead?

Yes. Reduce the baking time to 12–15 minutes and fill a mini muffin tin about three-quarters full.

What can I do if my muffins come out too dense?

Ensure you do not overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten and leads to denser muffins. Also, verify that your baking powder is fresh.

How do I double the recipe?

Simply double all the ingredients and bake in two muffin tins, rotating their positions in the oven halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?

You can add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for a more complex spice profile.

Conclusion

These apple cinnamon muffins are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of year. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, they’re perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection

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