Sweet Apple & Spice: Fluffy Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

Warm, golden apple cinnamon muffins fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises comfort and pure delight.

Fragrant spices dance through each tender bite, making these muffins a perfect morning companion.

Bursting with sweet chunks of fresh apples and a generous sprinkle of warming cinnamon, this recipe turns ordinary mornings into something extraordinary.

Soft, moist, and packed with hearty flavor, these muffins offer a rustic charm that feels like a warm hug.

The delicate balance of sweet apples and rich cinnamon creates a symphony of taste that beckons you closer.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet delectable treat that transforms breakfast into a celebration.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s turn these wholesome ingredients into a batch of irresistible muffins that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 163 kcal

Servings: 13

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Flour: Combine these flours for a balanced texture and nutty undertone that adds depth to the muffins.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the muffins rise and create a light, fluffy interior.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the muffins.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice that complements the apple perfectly.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the muffins and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a soft, delicate texture.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a subtle, sweet aroma that elevates the entire recipe.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture while reducing the need for extra fat.

• Apples: Choose crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle on top for a delightful crispy, sweet crust that makes the muffins irresistible.

Muffin Tools for Apple Cinnamon Bakes

• Muffin Pan: 12-count non-stick pan for baking muffins.
• Hand Mixer: Essential for beating wet ingredients smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining wet ingredients and mixing batter.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For whisking dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients evenly.
• Large Spoon or Spatula: Helps gently fold in diced apples.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.
• Toothpick: Checks muffin doneness by testing center.
• Cooling Rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly after baking.
• Butter Knife: Helps release muffins from pan without damage.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a toasty 425°F and get your muffin pan ready with non-stick spray or paper liners.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a small bowl and whisk together your flour mixture, creating a smooth base for your tasty treats.

• Wet Ingredient Fusion

In a large bowl, mix sugar, oil, milk, vanilla, eggs, and applesauce until everything comes together in a delightful harmony.

• Apple Incorporation

Fold in tiny apple chunks, stirring gently to keep the batter light and airy.

• Muffin Pan Filling

Scoop the batter into your prepared pan, making sure to top each well completely. Sprinkle a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar across the surface.

• Baking Magic

Start with a high-heat blast at 425°F for 5 minutes, then drop the temperature to 375°F. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, typically 8-10 minutes.

• Cooling and Serving

Let the muffins rest in the pan for a few minutes. Carefully lift them out and place on a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, storing any leftovers in an airtight container.

Ways to Tweak Apple Cinnamon Muffins

• Explore creative twists and expert baking techniques for these delightful Apple Cinnamon Muffins.
• Experiment with different apple types like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji to create unique flavor profiles and texture variations in your muffins.
• Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds to add crunch, protein, and extra nutrition to the basic recipe.
• Elevate the warm flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to complement the existing cinnamon and create a more complex taste experience.
• Prepare the muffin batter the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld overnight for even more delicious results.

Serve Apple Cinnamon Muffins Fresh

• Pair with Morning Beverage: Serve these warm apple cinnamon muffins alongside a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast experience.
• Create Breakfast Platter: Arrange muffins on a plate with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey to elevate your morning meal.
• Add Sweet Topping: Spread a dollop of cream cheese frosting or maple butter on top of the muffins for an extra indulgent treat that enhances their natural apple and cinnamon flavors.
• Pack for On-the-Go: Wrap individual muffins in parchment paper for a delicious portable breakfast or midday snack perfect for school lunches or work breaks.

Storage for Apple Cinnamon Muffin Batches

• Refrigerate for Freshness: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Freeze for Later Enjoyment: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or frozen muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.
• Prevent Moisture Buildup: Place a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture and keep muffins from becoming soggy, ensuring they stay deliciously fresh.

Cozy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade apple cinnamon muffins deliver warmth and comfort from classic ingredients. Bakers can easily craft these delightful treats with simple pantry staples for a satisfying breakfast or afternoon snack.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup (125g) unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup (125g) petite diced apple (Fuji or Gala)
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) olive oil
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (90g) whole wheat pastry flour
• ¾ cup (98g) unbleached all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) white granulated sugar
• 3 tbsps white granulated sugar (for topping)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tsps ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
• ¾ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground allspice

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a 12-count muffin pan with non-stick spray or muffin liners.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a medium bowl until uniformly combined.
3. Wet Ingredient Blending: Use an electric mixer to thoroughly blend granulated sugar, vegetable oil, whole milk, pure vanilla extract, large eggs, and unsweetened applesauce until smooth and consistent.
4. Batter Creation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing, then fold in finely diced fresh apples with delicate strokes.
5. Pan Filling: Distribute batter evenly among muffin wells, filling to the top, and generously sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture across each muffin’s surface.
6. Strategic Baking: Place pan in oven, bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then immediately reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) without opening oven door.
7. Finishing and Cooling: Bake for 8-10 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean; rest muffins in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack, serving warm or storing in an airtight container.

Notes

• Boost Muffin Height: Start baking at high temperature to create quick rise and tall muffin tops.
• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain tender, light texture.
• Choose Apple Variety: Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor and texture retention.
• Cinnamon Sugar Secret: Sprinkle topping generously in center for caramelized, crispy muffin crowns.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 163
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 134 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg