Sink your teeth into these Cinnamon Apple Muffins and you’re in for a real treat! With their tender crumb, pops of juicy apple, and fragrant cinnamon swirled into every bite, these muffins are what cozy mornings and afternoon snacks dream of. Each one is perfectly portable, blissfully easy to whip up, and generously studded with sweet apples and a hint of spice—making them an instant family favorite! Whether you’re welcoming fall or just need a comforting bake, this recipe brings together warmth, nostalgia, and the unbeatable duo of cinnamon and apple in every golden-topped muffin.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for these Cinnamon Apple Muffins is short but mighty. Each component brings something wonderful to the table, whether it’s a boost of flavor, a light crumb, or a gorgeous aromatic finish. Grab these staples, and you’re already halfway to muffin heaven!
- All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender foundation for your muffins, providing just the right texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly and keeps the crumb moist and soft.
- Baking powder: Ensures your muffins rise tall and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to give extra lift and tenderness.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that signature warmth and spice we love in Cinnamon Apple Muffins.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds depth and richness to the spice profile.
- Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Gives the muffins a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Large eggs: Help bind the batter together and add richness and moisture.
- Buttermilk: Keeps every bite soft and perfectly tangy, plus helps the muffins stay moist longer.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and provides a lovely aromatic note.
- Peeled and diced apples: The star of the show! Use tart or sweet apples for little pops of texture and juicy bites throughout.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a bit of crunch and nutty charm in every bite—feel free to leave them out if you prefer nut-free muffins.
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional): Sprinkled on top for a beautiful sparkle and sweet crunch.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—you want your oven fully heated so the muffins rise right from the start. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to make removing (and sharing) your muffins a breeze, and they also make for the cutest presentation.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking ensures that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so you’ll get tender, consistently spiced Cinnamon Apple Muffins from top to bottom.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted (and slightly cooled) butter with the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. This simple step helps your wet ingredients combine smoothly, so you don’t get streaks of egg or clumps of butter in the batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir everything together—try not to overmix, as a few lumps will keep your muffins soft and tender. Over-mixing can make muffins tough, and nobody wants that!
Step 5: Fold in Apples (and Nuts, If Using)
Now, gently fold in your beautifully diced apples and, if you’re in the mood for a little crunch, the chopped walnuts or pecans. Stir just until the apple pieces are evenly distributed—this is where those sweet apple pockets get nestled into every muffin.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups and Top
Scoop the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each liner so they’re nicely full but not overflowing. Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a sparkling, bakery-style finish—totally optional, but oh so worth it!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tin into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, they’re ready to come out! Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then gently transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling (if you can wait that long to sneak a bite).
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Muffins
Garnishes
With Cinnamon Apple Muffins, a little touch goes a long way. Dusting the tops with a hint of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon makes them look irresistible and adds a lovely flourish. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of simple glaze or even a dollop of whipped cream is always welcome!
Side Dishes
Serve these muffins alongside crisp apple slices, a bowl of fresh berries, or a warm chai latte for the ultimate breakfast spread. They complement a big brunch beautifully, too, next to scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and maybe a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet-salty combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Cinnamon Apple Muffins on a rustic wooden board or tiered cake stand for a cozy party display, or wrap them up in parchment and twine for sweet lunchbox surprises. If you’re brunching, stack them with other pastries and let everyone pick their favorite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any muffins left over after the first round (which, let’s be honest, isn’t easy!), stash them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully moist and tender for up to three days—perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks whenever you need a bite of comfort.
Freezing
Cinnamon Apple Muffins freeze like a dream! Let them cool completely, then pop them into a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months. Just thaw overnight on the counter or gently reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, warm a muffin up in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. The apples will get juicy again, and that cinnamon aroma will fill your kitchen all over!
FAQs
What kind of apples work best for Cinnamon Apple Muffins?
Both tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji are fantastic in this recipe. Use whatever apples you enjoy eating, or mix a couple for even more flavor.
Can I make these muffins nut-free?
Absolutely! The walnuts or pecans are totally optional, so you can simply omit them for a perfectly nut-free batch of Cinnamon Apple Muffins—no adjustments needed.
How can I make the muffins extra moist?
The buttermilk already ensures a super tender crumb, but if you want extra moisture, try sautéing the apples in a little butter before folding them into the batter. It gives a juicy, almost caramelized touch to the muffins!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can swap up to half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier texture and deeper flavor. The muffins will be a smidge denser, but still delicious!
How do I know when the muffins are done?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go. The tops should also spring back lightly when touched.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving cinnamon, apples, and all the comforts of home, you truly can’t go wrong with these Cinnamon Apple Muffins. Give them a try, share them with friends, or keep the whole batch to yourself—either way, they’re guaranteed to bring a little extra warmth and joy to your kitchen!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious Cinnamon Apple Muffins are a perfect treat for breakfast or snack time. Packed with warm spices, tender apples, and a hint of nuts, these moist muffins are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in diced apples and nuts if using.
- Bake: Divide batter among muffin cups, sprinkle tops with coarse sugar if desired, and bake for 18–22 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra apple flavor, sauté diced apples in butter and cinnamon before adding to the batter.
- Muffins can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
