If you’re searching for cozy baking inspiration, look no further than these Apple Cinnamon Muffins. Each bite is loaded with tender apple pieces and fragrant cinnamon, offering that favorite fall flavor all year round. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a lazy Sunday breakfast or packing them for on-the-go snacks, these muffins are delightfully soft, just sweet enough, and bound to make your kitchen smell irresistible!

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Muffins are simple, familiar, and purposeful. Each one brings something special: moisture, flavor, or that irresistible golden crumb. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter.

All-purpose flour: The structural base for these muffins, creating a soft yet sturdy crumb.
Baking powder: Gives that light and fluffy rise every great muffin needs.
Baking soda: Works with the yogurt for just the right amount of lift and tenderness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Provides that warm, nostalgic spice that’s classic in Apple Cinnamon Muffins.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle background note, deepening the spice profile.
Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and helps give muffins a gorgeously tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the apple flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a gentle molasses vibe that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the muffins’ light, cake-like texture.
Plain yogurt or sour cream: Delivers extra moisture and tang, keeping muffins soft for days.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Peeled and finely chopped apples: The star of the show, these little pops of fruit keep every bite juicy and fresh.
Optional topping (brown sugar & cinnamon): Provides a sweet-spiced crunch on top, taking the muffins to the next level.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Either line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or give it a light greasing. This step ensures your Apple Cinnamon Muffins lift out easily and bake evenly all the way through.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This not only blends the leaveners and spices thoroughly, but it also aerates the flour for a lighter muffin texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream your softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this helps create a tender crumb and deep flavor! It’s best to use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this part if you have one.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Yogurt, and Vanilla

Beat the eggs in one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Next, add your yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract. This mixture should look creamy and smooth—don’t worry if it seems a little thick.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly blend the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few small streaks of flour are perfectly fine. This step keeps the texture of your Apple Cinnamon Muffins soft and tender.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the chopped apples. Their juicy bites add bursts of freshness and flavor throughout the muffins. Make sure the apple pieces are evenly dispersed, but avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tins and Add the Topping

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full for those lovely domed tops. For a delicious finishing touch, whisk together the optional brown sugar and cinnamon topping, then sprinkle it generously over each muffin.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into a muffin’s center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling, making your kitchen smell absolutely amazing!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Garnishes

A simple pat of softened butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a dusting of powdered sugar are all tasty ways to garnish your Apple Cinnamon Muffins. If you love extra crunch, a handful of chopped toasted nuts sprinkled over the top is delicious, too!

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a side of creamy Greek yogurt, some fresh fruit, or a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea. For a cozy breakfast spread, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a hearty veggie omelet.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your muffins for brunch gatherings by serving them in a basket lined with a colorful napkin. For a festive touch, wrap each Apple Cinnamon Muffin in parchment and tie it with twine for grab-and-go treats. They also look gorgeous topped with a swirl of whipped cream cheese frosting for special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Apple Cinnamon Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful, making them perfect for a quick breakfast or snack whenever you crave a little comfort.

Freezing

These muffins are excellent for freezing! Once completely cooled, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and store them in a resealable bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months, ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop a muffin in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat in a low oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This makes them taste just like they were baked that morning—perfect for chilly days or easy breakfasts on the run.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my favorites for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can experiment with Gala, Fuji, or even Pink Lady for slightly different flavors and textures in your Apple Cinnamon Muffins.

What’s the best way to keep the muffins moist?

Using yogurt or sour cream in the batter adds extra moisture, and storing the muffins in an airtight container helps keep them soft for days. Avoid overbaking, as that can dry them out quickly.

Can I make these Apple Cinnamon Muffins gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free, too, for the best results.

What mix-ins can I add to the batter?

Chopped walnuts or pecans bring crunch and extra flavor. You might also toss in a small handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or a sprinkle of oats for extra texture and interest.

How do I avoid dense muffins?

Be gentle when mixing—overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough muffins. Stop stirring as soon as the ingredients are just combined, and be sure your baking powder and soda are fresh for the best rise.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring a little warmth and cheer into your kitchen, these Apple Cinnamon Muffins are the recipe to try. Their tender crumb, cozy flavors, and irresistible aroma will make any morning special. Go ahead and bake a batch—you might find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these delicious Apple Cinnamon Muffins. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these moist muffins are packed with chunks of fresh apple and a hint of cinnamon, making them a comforting treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

Optional Topping:

2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease lightly.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the yogurt and vanilla extract.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Mix the topping ingredients and sprinkle over the muffin batter.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Enjoy: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.