If you have a soft spot for cozy flavors and tender treats, you are going to fall head over heels for this Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy muffin bursting with juicy apple pieces, spiced just right with cinnamon, and topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel and a delicate glaze that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re starting your day or craving a sweet snack, these muffins bring comfort and joy with every bite. What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is—you do not need to be an expert baker to get incredible results, just a handful of simple ingredients and a little love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in the texture, flavor, and overall magic of your muffins. From the spices that create that warm cinnamon aroma to the fresh apples that keep the muffins moist and delightful, everything is picked with care to ensure your muffins turn out perfect every time.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your muffin, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the apples.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the muffins rise light and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, cozy spice throughout the batter.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter: Gives moistness and that tender crumb we all love.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the batter and keeps it soft.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples: The star ingredient that brings freshness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Key for that crumbly, buttery topping.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for streusel): Adds sweetness and that caramel note to the topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Gives a spicy kick in the streusel layer.
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (for streusel): Provides flakiness and crunch to the topping.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweet base for the shiny, irresistible glaze.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency for that perfect drizzle.
How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking. This small step sets the stage for perfectly shaped muffins every time.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, crucial for consistent flavor and lift.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mixing wet ingredients separately makes blending into the dry ingredients smoother and prevents overworking the batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender. Fold in those lovely chopped apples for juicy bursts in every bite.
Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. This crunchy topping adds a satisfying contrast to the soft muffins below.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Streusel
Spoon the batter evenly into the 12 muffin liners. Don’t forget to sprinkle the crumbly streusel evenly on top of each—this will bake to a golden, caramelized finish that’s just irresistible.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps them set perfectly without becoming soggy.
Step 8: Drizzle the Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a drizzleable consistency, then generously drizzle it over the cooled muffins. This final touch makes the muffins look stunning and adds a sweet finish that ties everything together.
How to Serve Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or a few apple slices on top of the glaze. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy effect that’s perfect for autumn or winter mornings.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy combo. They also go beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese for more indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your standard muffin display into a charming centerpiece by placing muffins in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin. For parties, stack them high on a tiered dessert tray to impress your guests with both taste and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them fresh by storing the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out quickly.
Freezing
These Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe actually freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm up frozen or day-old muffins in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or pop them in a toaster oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to refresh that just-baked taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance, sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala also work well and lend a different sweetness profile, so feel free to experiment with what you have.
Is it possible to make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the melted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine, and use almond milk or any other plant-based milk in place of regular milk. The muffins will still turn out delicious and moist.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
For a heartier muffin, you can swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind this may change the texture slightly, making it a bit denser, but the flavor will be lovely and wholesome.
How do I prevent the muffins from sinking in the middle?
Be careful not to overmix the batter and make sure your baking powder is fresh. Baking at the right temperature and not opening the oven door during baking also helps your muffins rise beautifully without collapsing.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can add a delightful texture and variety to the muffins. Just fold them in with the apples in step 4 for an easy upgrade.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about making and sharing this Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug in muffin form, perfect for any occasion or just because. Give it a try—once you taste these muffins fresh from the oven, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again, eager to share this simple joy with friends and family.
Print
Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a delightful breakfast or snack option featuring tender, moist muffins packed with fresh apple pieces and warmed with cinnamon. Topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel and finished with a light vanilla glaze, these muffins offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them irresistibly delicious and ideal for any time of day.
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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a large mixing 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 add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredient bowl and gently stir until just combined. Fold in the 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples carefully to distribute them evenly without overmixing.
- Make the streusel topping: In another small bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
- Fill muffin cups: Evenly divide the batter into the 12 prepared muffin cups. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each muffin to add a crunchy, sweet finish.
- Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow them to 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. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith for the best texture and balance of sweetness.
- Do not overmix the muffin batter to keep the muffins tender and light.
- The streusel topping can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to use.
- Adjust the milk quantity in the glaze for desired consistency—thicker for drizzling, thinner for pouring.
- These muffins freeze well; store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before glazing for best results.
