If you’re searching for a cozy, irresistible treat that perfectly embodies fall (or honestly, brightens any day of the year), these Apple Cinnamon Muffins are sure to steal your heart—and possibly disappear before you can grab a second! Every bite is bursting with juicy apples, warm spices, and a tender crumb that just begs for a mug of coffee or tea on the side. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a sweet snack, or impressing brunch guests, this easy recipe delivers big flavor and comforting nostalgia, all in one adorable package.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The true magic of Apple Cinnamon Muffins lies in how a handful of simple, humble ingredients can create a muffin so full of flavor and warmth. Each addition plays a starring role, whether it’s creating a fluffy crumb, adding sweetness, or infusing spicy aroma.

All-purpose flour: The trusty base, providing structure and just the right amount of tenderness to every muffin.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with light browning on top.
Packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a caramelly depth that pairs so well with apples and cinnamon.
Baking powder & baking soda: These work together to create a beautiful, bakery-style rise and a light interior.
Salt: Just a bit, but it makes all the flavors sing.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice—infuses warmth and classic coziness into every bite.
Ground nutmeg: A pinch goes a long way, giving subtle depth and rounding out the spice profile.
Large eggs: Provide structure and a rich, tender crumb.
Vegetable oil: Ensures moist, soft muffins without overpowering flavors.
Milk: Binds the mixture, creating that signature moist crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes throughout the muffin.
Peeled and finely chopped apples: Juicy bursts of fruit, adding moisture and fresh flavor—Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully!
Optional cinnamon sugar topping: Two simple ingredients (sugar and cinnamon) create a crisp, sparkling lid of sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. This not only keeps things tidy at cleanup time but also helps your muffins lift effortlessly from the pan.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step is about more than just combining—it ensures the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, setting you up for perfectly fluffy, flavorful Apple Cinnamon Muffins every time.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture. This liquid gold ensures your muffins are rich and tender!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently (just until no major streaks of flour remain) to keep your muffins light and avoid over-mixing—a few lumps are totally fine! Fold in those gorgeous chopped apples with a spatula so every bite is bursting with fruit.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This ensures a beautiful rise without overflow.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

If you’re going for that bakery-style finish, mix up the optional cinnamon sugar in a small bowl and sprinkle it generously over every muffin. This step adds both a hint of sparkle and irresistible crunch.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the muffins are domed, golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack so the steam can escape and the texture finishes setting up perfectly.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Garnishes

Give your Apple Cinnamon Muffins the finishing touch by dusting with a little extra cinnamon sugar, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a few chopped toasted pecans on top. Not only does this add visual appeal, but those extra flavors really make each bite sing.

Side Dishes

Pair your muffins with creamy Greek yogurt, a fresh fruit salad, or a warm mug of chai for a truly satisfying breakfast or snack. They bring out the fruity and spicy notes even more while rounding out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, serve these muffins in a rustic basket lined with a gingham napkin, or arrange them on a cake stand for brunch gatherings. For a picnic or lunchbox treat, wrap each muffin individually and tuck in a tiny note—you’ll brighten anyone’s day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apple Cinnamon Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your house is anything like mine, they rarely last that long, but rest assured these muffins stay soft and moist thanks to the apples and oil.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Once they’re completely cool, place in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best flavor and freshness, enjoy within 2 to 3 months. Just thaw overnight at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave when ready to eat!

Reheating

For that “just baked” magic, pop a muffin in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm in a toaster oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. The aroma of cinnamon and apple will fill your kitchen all over again, making it hard to resist—grab your favorite mug and a cozy corner!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

You can definitely swap in half whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and added nutrition, but I recommend keeping at least half all-purpose for the lightest crumb. All whole wheat may make them a bit denser, but still delicious!

What type Breakfast

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp work beautifully. The key is to choose apples that hold their shape and offer a good balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans add crunch, while a handful of plump raisins or dried cranberries brings extra sweetness. Simply fold them in with the apples for a tasty, custom batch.

How do I know when my muffins are done baking?

You’ll know your Apple Cinnamon Muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, but no raw batter). Goldenness and puffiness are also good visual cues.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, substitute a non-dairy milk like almond or oat, and ensure your brown sugar is vegan if needed. These muffins are flexible, making them an inclusive treat for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll fall in love with these Apple Cinnamon Muffins as much as my family has! They’re simple yet so full of homey flavor, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or sharing with friends. Give them a try and let their spicy-sweet aroma fill your kitchen—you might find yourself baking them on repeat!

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with these moist and flavorful Apple Cinnamon Muffins. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, these muffins are bursting with sweet apple chunks and warm cinnamon spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

Optional Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or by greasing lightly.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
Fill muffin cups: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Add topping: Mix the optional cinnamon sugar topping and sprinkle over each muffin.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.