There’s something truly special about the combination of apples and cinnamon—it’s warm, comforting, and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are soft, moist, and bursting with sweet apple chunks and cozy cinnamon spice.
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a simple dessert, these muffins come together quickly with just a few pantry staples. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or packing them in a lunchbox, they’re guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Soft and Moist – Thanks to fresh apples and the perfect balance of ingredients.
- Perfectly Spiced – Just the right amount of cinnamon for a warm flavor.
- Customizable – Add nuts, raisins, or a crumb topping for extra texture.
- Great for Any Occasion – A delicious grab-and-go breakfast or afternoon treat.
What Do These Muffins Taste Like?
These Apple Cinnamon Muffins have a light and tender crumb, with a burst of juicy apple in every bite. The cinnamon adds warmth, while the sugar provides just the right amount of sweetness. They’re like a bite-sized apple pie in muffin form!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and softness.
- ¾ cup sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the muffins rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The star spice for that classic apple-cinnamon flavor.
- ½ cup milk – Keeps the muffins soft and moist.
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil – Adds moisture and a tender texture.
- 1 large egg – Binds everything together.
- 1 cup diced apples – Fresh apples add natural sweetness and texture.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin tin
- Muffin liners (optional)
- Spoon or cookie scoop for filling the muffin cups
Best Apples for Muffins
You can use any apple variety, but some work better than others. Here are some great choices:
- Honeycrisp – Sweet and crisp, holds up well in baking.
- Granny Smith – Tart and firm, adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Fuji or Gala – Naturally sweet and soft, blends well into the batter.
- Braeburn or Jonagold – A good balance of sweet and tart.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with liners or grease with cooking spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the muffins light and fluffy.
5. Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
7. Bake
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- With Coffee or Tea – A perfect morning pairing.
- With a Drizzle of Honey or Maple Syrup – Adds extra sweetness.
- With Butter or Cream Cheese – A rich and creamy spread makes them even more indulgent.
- With Yogurt and Fresh Fruit – A balanced breakfast option.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
Want to customize your muffins? Try these delicious variations:
- Streusel Topping – Mix ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle over the muffins before baking for a crunchy top.
- Add Nuts – Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
- Make Them Healthier – Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour or use applesauce instead of oil.
- Raisin or Cranberry Twist – Add ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture.
Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing leads to dense muffins. Stir until just combined.
- Use Fresh Apples – Freshly diced apples provide the best texture and flavor.
- Fill Muffin Cups Evenly – This ensures even baking. Use a cookie scoop for accuracy.
- Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the muffins are done.
- Let Them Cool Slightly – They taste best when cooled slightly, allowing the flavors to set.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Cinnamon Muffins
At Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the Refrigerator
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing Instructions
- Let the muffins cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser. Try using half whole wheat, half all-purpose flour for a balance.
2. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, almond milk or any other plant-based milk works just fine.
3. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. If you prefer a smoother texture, peel them. If you like extra fiber and a slight chew, leave the skins on.
4. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! These muffins stay fresh for a few days at room temperature and freeze well for longer storage.
5. How can I make these muffins extra moist?
Adding a little applesauce (about ¼ cup) to the batter can make them even softer and more moist.
Final Thoughts – A Cozy Treat for Any Time of Day
These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are simple to make, packed with warm spices, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or freeze them for later, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy:
- Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
- Banana Oat Muffins
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Tried this recipe? Let me know how they turned out in the comments. And if you loved them, share your baking success on Pinterest!
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