Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe – Moist and Fluffy Spiced Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe – There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of baked goods wafting through the kitchen, especially when warm spices like cinnamon combine with the natural sweetness of apples. Muffins, with their soft crumb and delightful flavor variations, are one of the most beloved baked treats worldwide. Among the many flavor pairings, the classic combination of apple and cinnamon is a true favorite, and that’s where this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe comes in.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Active Time: 20 minutes

• Resting Time: 10 minutes (cooling)

• Cuisine: American, Baking

• Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert

• Servings: 12 muffins

• Calories per serving: ~210 kcal

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin tin

• Paper muffin liners (optional) or non-stick spray

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)

• Whisk

• Spatula or wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Box grater or peeler and knife (for apples)

• Cooling rack

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (adds moisture)

• 1 ½ cups apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced; about 2 medium apples)

Optional Topping:

• Cinnamon sugar (¼ cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon)

• Streusel topping (½ cup flour, ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup butter)

Nutrition

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with non-stick spray.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

   • In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and yogurt (or sour cream) until combined.

4. Fold in the Apples

   • Gently fold the diced apples into the wet mixture. The apples will add sweetness and moisture to the muffins.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

   • Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—your batter should be slightly lumpy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.

6. Fill the Muffin Tin

   • Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

7. Add Topping (Optional)

   • If desired, sprinkle cinnamon sugar or streusel topping over the batter for extra flavor and texture.

8. Bake

   • Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool and Serve

   • Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Apple Varieties: Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji bring natural sweetness. You can also mix apple types for a more complex flavor.

• Healthier Option: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.

• Moisture Boost: Add ½ cup of applesauce to the batter for extra moisture and apple flavor.

• Nutty Add-In: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

• Glaze Finish: Drizzle muffins with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a bakery-style touch.

• Make Ahead & Store: Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerated for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe lies in its balance of flavor, texture, and ease. Unlike store-bought muffins, these are made with fresh, wholesome ingredients that give them superior taste and aroma. The diced apples ensure the muffins stay moist, while the cinnamon provides a comforting warmth.

They’re versatile enough for multiple occasions—pair them with coffee for a quick breakfast, pack them in lunchboxes, or serve them as a sweet treat for guests. Their make-ahead nature also makes them perfect for busy schedules. Bake a batch on the weekend, and you’ll have ready-to-go snacks all week long.

Conclusion

Moist, fluffy, and packed with warm flavors, the Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves homemade baked goods. With simple pantry ingredients and fresh apples, you can whip up these muffins in under an hour. They offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them ideal for cozy mornings, family brunches, or even holiday gatherings

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