Apple Cinnamon Muffins are an irresistible treat that wraps all the cozy flavors of autumn into a perfectly portable breakfast or snack. Every bite is bursting with juicy apple pieces and warmly spiced cinnamon, making these muffins just the thing for crisp mornings, lunchbox surprises, or any moment that needs a little pick-me-up. With their golden domed tops and tender crumb, you’ll quickly see why this is a beloved classic in my kitchen!

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about these Apple Cinnamon Muffins is that they rely on straightforward, everyday ingredients you probably have on hand. Each element brings its own magic to the mix, from the softness of flour and applesauce to the warming aromatics of cinnamon and nutmeg. Let’s talk about what you’ll need and why every item matters.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the muffins, providing structure and a soft, tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness while helping to create a golden top.
Brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and extra moisture for a deeper, richer taste.
Baking powder: Lifts the muffins as they bake, ensuring you get those lovely high domes.
Baking soda: Works with the acidic applesauce to tenderize and lighten the batter.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice for that unmistakable apple-cinnamon aroma and warmth.
Ground nutmeg: Adds another layer of cozy spice, making the flavor more complex and inviting.
Large eggs: Help bind everything together and keep the muffins rich and satisfying.
Unsweetened applesauce: Infuses moisture without excess fat and amps up the apple flavor.
Milk: Loosens the batter just enough for a luscious, light texture.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins exceptionally moist and tender-crumbed.
Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla rounds out the spices and enhances the apples.
Peeled and finely chopped apples: Sweet, tart, and juicy, these bits melt right into the muffin for classic apple pockets in every bite.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get your muffin tin ready. Either line the cups with paper liners for easy muffin removal or lightly grease them if you prefer that crispy, golden edge. This upfront effort means you’ll be ready to fill and bake your Apple Cinnamon Muffins without delay.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking not only combines the ingredients, but it also helps break up any brown sugar clumps for an even, fluffy bake.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the applesauce, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. This step keeps your muffins light and ensures the delicate apple and cinnamon flavors come through beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Add Apples

Pour your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. The key here is not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine. Next, gently fold in the chopped apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed without deflating the batter.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared muffin cups, aiming to fill each about three-quarters full. This ensures you get perfectly domed muffins every time. If you’d like, now is the moment to sprinkle a little cinnamon-sugar on top for extra sparkle and crunch.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This little rest lets the crumb set and the flavors develop fully.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Garnishes

Top your Apple Cinnamon Muffins with a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar, a glaze drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-special finish. Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs especially well with the apples.

Side Dishes

These muffins shine alongside a creamy yogurt parfait, a platter of crisp fruit, or a steamy mug of chai or coffee. For a heartier breakfast, pair with scrambled eggs or a simple omelette to balance the sweetness with some savory protein.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, pile the muffins into a rustic basket lined with a pretty napkin. Stack them tiered-style on a cake stand for a centerpiece worthy of any weekend table. Or try splitting a warm muffin, slathering on some honey butter, and serving it alongside slices of sharp cheddar cheese for a truly memorable snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Apple Cinnamon Muffins fresh, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to three days. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them; just let the muffins come to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

Apple Cinnamon Muffins freeze beautifully. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature any time a muffin craving strikes!

Reheating

If you love that bakery-fresh warmth, pop a muffin in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Reheating wakes up the apple pieces and cinnamon beautifully, making every bite taste just-baked.

FAQs

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

Yes! You can swap up to half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if you’d like a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just know that the muffins may be slightly denser but still delicious.

What’s the best apple variety to use?

Firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are all fantastic. They hold their shape when baked and bring a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

Can I make these Apple Cinnamon Muffins dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) in place of regular milk, and check that your other ingredients are labeled dairy-free.

Can I add extras like nuts or raisins?

Definitely. Stir in a half cup of chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor. Pecans, walnuts, and even dried cranberries work wonderfully in this recipe.

How do I prevent my muffins from sticking to the liners?

For super-sticky muffins, use high-quality parchment muffin liners or lightly spray standard liners with nonstick spray before adding the batter. Let the muffins cool before peeling, which also helps reduce sticking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a little warmth and comfort to your mornings, these Apple Cinnamon Muffins are just the thing to try. They’re quick to make, burst with real apple flavor, and always crowd pleasers. I can’t wait for you to enjoy them, fresh from your oven!

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 22 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 a cozy breakfast or snack, these muffins are bursting with apple chunks and warm spices, making them a fall favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

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

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins:

1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 small apples)

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Instructions

Preheat the 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 large bowl, combine flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, then mix in applesauce, milk, oil, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients, stir until just combined.
Add apples: Gently fold in chopped apples.
Bake: Divide batter into muffin cups, bake for 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.