If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, then this Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is your new best friend. Each bite bursts with tender apples, perfectly spiced cinnamon, and a buttery crunch from a heavenly streusel topping. Not only is this recipe straightforward and approachable, but it also transforms simple pantry staples into a symphony of flavor and comforting aromas that fill your kitchen and heart alike. Whether you’re serving breakfast, brunch, or just a sweet snack, these muffins are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this easy apple cinnamon muffins recipe. Each component plays a role, whether it’s lending moistness, sweetness, spice, or that irresistible crumbly topping that makes these muffins unforgettable.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for tender yet firm muffins.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warming spice that gives the muffins their signature cozy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes perfectly.
- 2 eggs: Bind ingredients together while adding richness.
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter: Brings moistness and a luscious buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: Balances the batter’s consistency for softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and an inviting aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples: Fresh apples provide juiciness and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Part of the crumbly topping that gives texture contrast.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for streusel): Offers a rich molasses flavor in the topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Brings a hint of warm spice to the crumble.
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (for streusel): Creates that perfect crumbly texture when cut into the dry ingredients.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweet finishing touch for an elegant glaze.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk (for glaze): Helps you achieve the perfect glaze consistency for drizzling.
How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to have your oven at the right temperature to ensure your muffins bake evenly and rise perfectly. Line a muffin tin with paper liners to help with even cooking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the 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. Getting these combined evenly is key to making sure every muffin is perfectly spiced and sweet.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix 2 eggs with 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. This mixture will bring richness and moisture to your batter, making your muffins tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together; Add Apples
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined — be careful not to overmix! Then gently fold in the 1 1/2 cups of peeled, chopped apples. These chunks are what make this easy apple cinnamon muffins recipe so special, keeping each bite juicy and fresh.
Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it forms crumbly bits. This streusel topping adds that irresistible crunch and caramelized flavor on each muffin top.
Step 6: Fill and Top the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among 12 muffin cups. Then, sprinkle the streusel mixture generously over each muffin. This layering of flavors and textures is what makes the experience so delightful.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Done
Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures your muffins are perfectly cooked without being dry. After baking, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Drizzle the Sweet Glaze
Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle this simple glaze over your cooled muffins for a lovely, sweet finish that’s just irresistible.
How to Serve Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or finely chopped nuts on top right before serving can elevate your muffins visually and add to the flavor complexity. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey also works beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting snack. For brunch, they go wonderfully alongside scrambled eggs or a mixed fruit salad to introduce freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these muffins in a rustic basket lined with a cozy kitchen towel or on a charming wooden platter. For parties, stack them in a tiered stand with small bowls of extra glaze and butter for guests to customize their treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is an option, though they may firm up slightly.
Freezing
These apple cinnamon muffins freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheat muffins gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will bring back that freshly-baked warmth and softness, making them taste like you just made them.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweetness, you can use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala depending on your taste preference.
Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and keep an eye on the texture as gluten-free flour can behave differently.
Can I omit the streusel topping?
Of course! The muffins will still be delicious without it, but the streusel adds a wonderful crunch and extra cinnamon flavor that really complements the apples.
How do I ensure the muffins stay moist?
Be careful not to overmix the batter; mixing until just combined keeps the muffins tender. Also, using melted butter and adding fresh apples add moisture naturally to the batter.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the recipe works great if you need more muffins. Just use two muffin tins or bake in batches to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the simple joy of biting into a freshly baked muffin that’s bursting with apples and cinnamon. This Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is perfect for lazy weekends, quick breakfast fixes, or anytime that craving for something sweet and comforting strikes. Give yourself the gift of homemade goodness — 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
Description
These Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a delightful breakfast or snack option featuring tender, moist muffins packed with fresh apples and warm cinnamon spice. Topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel and a sweet vanilla glaze, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that are simple to prepare and bake.
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 Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs, then mix in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and gently mix until just combined — be careful not to overmix. Fold in the 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In another bowl, use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and sandy in texture.
- Fill Muffin Cups and Add Streusel: Evenly divide the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin cup.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let the muffins cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Be sure not to overmix the batter to keep the muffins tender and light.
- Use peeled apples to avoid excess moisture and prevent soggy muffins.
- The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and cinnamon flavor contrast; use cold butter to achieve the best texture.
- The glaze is optional but adds a sweet, shiny finish that enhances the flavor.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
