If you’re searching for the perfect cozy treat that tastes like a warm hug, this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is just the ticket. Bursting with tender apples and fragrant cinnamon, these muffins are delightfully moist with a crumbly streusel topping that takes every bite to a new level of yum. Whether you’re cozying up with a hot drink on a chilly morning or need a sweet snack to brighten your afternoon, these muffins bring together simple ingredients to create a truly memorable bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to build delicious flavor and perfect texture. Each ingredient plays an important role: from the fluffy all-purpose flour that forms the base, to the warm spices and fresh apples that make each muffin a tender treat.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure to hold the muffin together with a soft crumb.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the muffins rise beautifully and become light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with leavening and balances the acidity from the apples.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and flavors in the muffins.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that unmistakable warm spice aroma and taste.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering.
- 2 cups chopped apple: Brings juiciness and fresh fruity flavor to every bite.
- 1 cup milk: Makes the batter smooth and moist.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins tender and ensures they stay moist.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and contribute to the muffins’ texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and is perfect for the streusel topping.
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar: Gives the streusel topping a deep molasses flavor and slight crunch.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds extra sweetness and crunch to the topping.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses additional warm spice into the topping for an irresistible aroma.
- 1/2 cup flour: Is the base of the streusel, lending a crumbly texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used in the glaze to add a delicate sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream: Helps create a luscious glaze to drizzle on top.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined—overmixing can make the muffins tough. Finally, stir in the chopped apples to disperse their juicy deliciousness throughout the batter.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
In another small bowl, combine the melted butter with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and clumps together. This streusel topping will add a sweet, buttery crunch that perfectly contrasts the tender muffin beneath. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the filled muffin cups for that inviting appearance and texture.
Step 3: Bake and Glaze
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the muffins cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and heavy cream to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm muffins for a touch of sweetness that also adds a pretty shine—this final step really elevates the Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe from delightful to unforgettable.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of the glaze or add finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a charming finish when you want a simpler look. These small touches make the muffins look as wonderful as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your muffins with a cup of steaming chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the warm spices. For a heartier spread, serve alongside a bowl of yogurt with honey and granola or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your muffins on a rustic wooden platter lined with a linen napkin for a cozy, homemade vibe. You could also serve them warm with small ramekins of softened butter, apple butter, or cream cheese on the side, allowing everyone to customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve freshness and moisture. If your kitchen is warm, storing in a cool spot helps prevent the muffins from drying out too quickly.
Freezing
Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe works wonderfully for freezing. Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy this cozy treat on demand.
Reheating
Thaw frozen muffins overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. Warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back that freshly baked softness and subtle crispness of the topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well, but softer varieties like Fuji or Gala will add more sweetness and a tender texture. Just be sure to chop them into small, even pieces.
Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can make these muffins gluten-free. Some blends also contain xanthan gum, which helps maintain the muffin’s texture.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can replace vegetable oil for a richer flavor, but be mindful it might slightly change the texture, making muffins a bit denser and more crumbly.
How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
Use a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the muffins are perfectly baked.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins add fantastic texture and flavor. Fold them into the batter along with the apples, about half a cup depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this delightful Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe in your collection, you’re just steps away from creating a batch of warm, aromatic muffins that instantly feel like home. The balance of tender apple pieces, cinnamon spice, and that irresistible crumbly topping makes these muffins a real crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try baking them yourself and share the joy with friends and family—it’s one recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Made with fresh chopped apples and a blend of warm cinnamon spices, they feature a tender crumb and a sweet cinnamon sugar topping that adds the perfect crunch.
Ingredients
Muffins
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups chopped apple
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup flour
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the sugar, milk, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
- Incorporate apples and combine batter: Stir the chopped apples into the dry ingredients, then gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Mix until crumbly and set aside.
- Fill muffin cups and add topping: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over each muffin.
- Bake the muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make glaze: While muffins bake, whisk together powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth and pourable.
- Cool and glaze muffins: Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the warm muffins before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense muffins.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
