If you’re craving a warm, cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of autumn, Apple Cinnamon Muffins are the answer. These muffins are everything you want in a homemade baked good: moist, tender, and incredibly fragrant, thanks to the perfect marriage of juicy apples and sweet cinnamon. Every bite is a comforting hug, making them an irresistible choice for breakfast, a snack, or a lunchbox surprise. Whether you’re baking for your family or just yourself, this classic recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe a few requests for seconds!

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Apple Cinnamon Muffins is in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating those perfectly soft, flavorful muffins, from the crisp apples to the warming spices. Stock your kitchen with these essentials and you’re halfway to homemade muffin bliss!

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the muffins, giving them structure while keeping them soft and fluffy.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note and extra moisture to the batter.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes these muffins so aromatic and comforting.
Baking powder: Gives the muffins a beautiful rise and light texture.
Baking soda: Ensures the muffins bake up tall and fluffy by reacting with the acidity in the apples.
Salt: Balances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins tender and moist, without overpowering the apple-cinnamon flavor.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness, making the muffins hold together beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out all the flavors.
Peeled and finely chopped apples: The heart of the recipe—choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for tang or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
Optional cinnamon-sugar topping: A mix of brown sugar and cinnamon gives the tops a delightful crunch and extra flavor boost.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures the muffins start baking at the perfect temperature for that initial rise. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it—either method works, but liners make for easy cleanup and pretty presentation.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step blends the leaveners and spices evenly, so every muffin gets the right amount of flavor and lift.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Mixing these ingredients separately helps prevent over-mixing once you combine everything, which keeps your Apple Cinnamon Muffins light and tender.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Don’t worry if there are a few small lumps—over-mixing can lead to dense muffins. Fold in the finely chopped apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter for juicy apple flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Fill and Top the Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. If you’re using the optional cinnamon-sugar topping, sprinkle it generously over each muffin before baking. This little extra step gives the muffins a beautiful, flavorful crust that everyone will love.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the muffins for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden and your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Garnishes

For a bakery-style finish, try dusting your muffins with a little extra cinnamon-sugar or a light drizzle of honey once they’ve cooled. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance if you’re serving these at a brunch or special occasion.

Side Dishes

Apple Cinnamon Muffins pair wonderfully with a creamy Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, or a piping hot cup of coffee or tea. For a heartier breakfast, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a savory omelet to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your muffins in a rustic basket lined with a pretty napkin for a cozy breakfast spread, or stack them on a cake stand for a festive brunch centerpiece. You can also slice them in half and serve with a swipe of apple butter or cream cheese for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Cinnamon Muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and delicious, perfect for grabbing on your way out the door or packing in a lunchbox.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully! Just let them cool completely, then wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, simply microwave a muffin for about 10-15 seconds or pop it into a toaster oven for a minute or two. This revives the soft texture and makes the cinnamon aroma come alive all over again.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber. You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier muffin, but using all whole wheat may make them slightly denser.

What apple varieties work best for Apple Cinnamon Muffins?

Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the muffins. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are great if you prefer a sweeter, softer bite. Feel free to mix and match for your perfect flavor!

Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even raisins are delicious in Apple Cinnamon Muffins. Just fold up to half a cup into the batter with the apples for extra texture and flavor.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing and reheating?

Yes, these muffins freeze and reheat wonderfully. Wrap them well, freeze, and either thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick, warm treat anytime.

How do I keep muffins from sticking to the liners?

If you’ve ever had half your muffin stick to the paper, try using high-quality liners or lightly spraying them with nonstick spray before filling. Letting the muffins cool completely before peeling also helps prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, heartwarming bake that’s sure to impress, give these Apple Cinnamon Muffins a try. There’s nothing better than sharing a batch with those you love—or savoring one all to yourself with a hot cup of coffee. Happy baking!

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these moist and flavorful Apple Cinnamon Muffins, perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack. Made with fresh apples and a warm blend of cinnamon and sugars, these muffins offer a delicious balance of sweet and spice with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional

1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 1–2 apples)
Optional topping: 2 tablespoons brown sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups to prevent sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
Add apples: Fold in the peeled and finely chopped apples carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Fill muffin cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full for perfect rise.
Add topping (optional): Sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over each muffin to add a sweet and spicy crust.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced tart-sweet flavor or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for a milder sweetness.
For added texture and flavor, consider folding in chopped walnuts or pecans.
These muffins freeze well; store in an airtight container and thaw before warming for a fresh-baked taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American