Looking for a warm and comforting recipe to welcome the flavors of fall? These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are the perfect blend of juicy apple chunks, cozy spices, and a soft, fluffy texture. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or a quick afternoon snack, these muffins are a deliciously easy treat that captures the essence of autumn.
Ingredients:
For the Muffins:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
For the Topping:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined (avoid overmixing). Fold in the diced apples.
Fill the Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the topping ingredients (brown sugar and cinnamon), then sprinkle it over each muffin.
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips:
Warm with Butter: Serve muffins warm with a pat of butter that melts into each bite for added richness.
Drizzle with Honey or Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the apple and cinnamon.
Pair with a Beverage: These muffins are delicious with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider for a cozy snack or breakfast treat.
Add a Dollop of Yogurt: For a balanced breakfast, pair your muffin with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts for extra protein.
Storage Tips:
At Room Temperature: Place the muffins in an airtight container lined with a paper towel, which helps absorb moisture. Store them at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.
In the Refrigerator: If you prefer to refrigerate, store the muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave before serving.
Freezing: To freeze, individually wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then place them all in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
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FAQs:
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices for their sweet-tart flavor, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Other good options include Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the type of apple you choose.
How can I make these muffins healthier?
To make these Apple Cinnamon Muffins healthier, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Additionally, you can reduce the sugar by using a sugar substitute or by simply cutting back on the granulated and brown sugar. Adding ingredients like oats or chopped nuts can also boost the nutritional value.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! To make gluten-free Apple Cinnamon Muffins, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, especially any additives like baking powder or vanilla extract.
How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
The muffins are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, they need more time in the oven. Start checking for doneness around the 18-minute mark.
Conclusion:
These Apple Cinnamon Muffins bring a heartwarming flavor perfect for any chilly morning or cozy evening. With a blend of sweet apples and spices, they’ll fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fall. Give this recipe a try and make your autumn a little bit sweeter!
📖 Recipe:
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Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a delightful treat filled with juicy apple chunks and aromatic spices. Soft, fluffy, and easy to make, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. With their warm flavors, these muffins bring the essence of fall to your table, making them a must-try for any apple lover.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
Topping:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix). Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- In a small bowl, mix the topping ingredients (brown sugar and cinnamon) and sprinkle over the muffins.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For a healthier option, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
These muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months; wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag.
You can use any variety of apples; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 muffins
- Calories: 190 kcal per muffin
