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
Scale
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.
