If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting baked goods, then this Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These muffins strike the perfect balance between sweet and spicy with tender, juicy apples folded into a delicately spiced batter, all crowned with a buttery, cinnamon-scented streusel and a hint of vanilla glaze. Whether you’re starting your day or looking for a cozy afternoon snack, these muffins deliver a wonderful homemade charm that’s surprisingly simple to achieve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create muffins bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role: the flour builds the structure, the cinnamon provides warmth, the apples add moisture and a natural sweetness, and the buttery streusel topping offers that irresistible crunch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the fluffy base of the muffin batter.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the apple’s natural flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the muffins rise perfectly light and tender.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with warm, aromatic spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the mix.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter: Creates moisture and a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup milk: Provides liquid to bring the batter together smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant note that complements the apples and cinnamon.
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples: The star ingredient bringing fresh sweetness and juiciness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Combines with sugar and butter to make the crisp topping.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for streusel): Offers a deep, caramel-like sweetness for the topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Adds extra spice and warmth to the streusel layer.
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (for streusel): Chilled for that perfect crumbly texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Makes a sweet, delicate drizzle.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency for easy drizzling.
How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked muffins.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This combination ensures your muffins will rise nicely and have that signature warm cinnamon flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs, then add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mixing these together creates the rich and flavorful base that brings moisture and tenderness to your muffins.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your muffins light and fluffy. Then fold in the star of this Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe: 1 1/2 cups of peeled and chopped apples to add bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. This topping adds irresistible crunch and that beautiful cinnamon aroma.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Streusel
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Then generously sprinkle the streusel on top of each muffin. This sweet, crunchy topping takes these muffins to another level of deliciousness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your muffins in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Almost ready for the best part!
Step 8: Add the Vanilla Glaze
Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk until smooth and slightly runny. Drizzle this sweet vanilla glaze over the cooled muffins for an elegant finishing touch that adds just the right amount of extra sweetness and shine.
How to Serve Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon can elevate your muffins’ presentation. Fresh apple slices or a few cinnamon sticks alongside create a charming rustic vibe that will wow guests and family alike.
Side Dishes
These apple cinnamon muffins pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or comforting apple cider. For a fuller breakfast, serve with creamy yogurt or a smear of homemade apple butter to complement the fruity flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your muffins into an irresistible dessert by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Alternatively, cut them in half, toast lightly, and spread with a pat of cinnamon honey butter for an indulgent treat all your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and moist, ready for a quick snack or breakfast.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins for up to 2 months without any drop in flavor or texture. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and thaw at room temperature when you’re craving a delicious apple cinnamon treat.
Reheating
To enjoy the muffins fresh out of the oven warmth after storing, microwave each muffin for about 20 seconds or warm them in a 350-degree oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that perfect soft crumb and enhances the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh ones?
While fresh apples are best for maintaining texture, you can use frozen apples if you thaw and drain them thoroughly beforehand to avoid excess moisture affecting the batter.
What is the best type of apple for this muffin recipe?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully because they hold their shape and offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
Is it okay to substitute the butter with oil?
You can substitute melted butter with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, but butter gives these muffins their rich, tender crumb and flavor, so it’s highly recommended to stick with it if possible.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for binding. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
How do I make the muffins less sweet?
Reduce the granulated sugar by up to a quarter cup and cut down the brown sugar in the streusel slightly. The apples’ natural sweetness will still shine through perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and satisfying about baking up a batch of Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe, especially when you share them with people you love. These muffins combine simplicity with rich autumn flavors and a delightful texture that will brighten any morning or snack time. So why not grab those apples and get baking? Your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Soft, moist muffins filled with tender chopped apples and warm cinnamon, topped with a buttery streusel and a sweet powdered sugar glaze. Simple to make and perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together 2 eggs, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a smooth liquid base.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. Fold in the chopped apples carefully for fruity texture.
- Prepare Streusel: In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse sand.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups and sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly on top of each cup for a crunchy, sweet topping.
- Bake Muffins: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons milk until smooth and drizzle over the cooled muffins to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a better balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and fluffy.
- The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweet contrast to the cinnamon and apple flavors.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
