If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, sweet treat that fills your kitchen with the warmest aromas, this Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. These muffins strike the perfect balance of tender crumb, tender chunks of fresh apple, and just the right hint of cinnamon to make every bite feel like a comforting hug. With a crunchy streusel topping and a delicate glaze that adds a touch of sweetness, these muffins are quick to whip up and impossible to resist whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The great thing about this Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the all-purpose flour that gives the muffins structure to the fresh apples that bring natural sweetness and moisture, every component has a purpose to create the perfect muffin experience.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides the structure and chewiness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the tartness of apples.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This will give your muffins a lovely rise and fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The spice that infuses the batter with warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with the muffins’ fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a sweet, fragrant aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples: Fresh, juicy apple pieces that bring moisture and bursts of fruitiness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Needed to create the crumbly topping texture.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for streusel): Gives the streusel a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Adds warmth that complements the apples perfectly.
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (for streusel): Gives the topping its signature crunchy, crumbly texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweet finishing touch to drizzle over cooled muffins.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk (for glaze): Helps make the glaze smooth and easy to drizzle.
How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners to ensure your muffins don’t stick and are easy to remove. This step sets you up for baking success.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly at this stage helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly so every muffin tastes fantastic.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then mix in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients will bring moisture, richness, and flavor to your muffin batter, making them tender and aromatic.
Step 4: Bring It Together and Fold in Apples
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing because you want your muffins to stay tender and fluffy, not tough. Once the batter looks mostly blended, fold in the peeled and chopped apples carefully so that the fruit stays intact.
Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
Now, let’s give these muffins that irresistible crunch. In another bowl, combine the 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until you get a crumbly texture. This streusel will melt slightly and create a deliciously crisp topping while baking.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups and Add Streusel
Divide the batter evenly among 12 muffin cups. Each cup should be about three-quarters full. Then sprinkle a generous amount of streusel over each muffin. The topping will add texture and bursts of brown sugar flavor with every bite.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When done, allow your muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack. Letting them cool a bit makes glazing easier and ensures they don’t fall apart.
Step 8: Glaze and Finish
Mix powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk until you get a drizzle-worthy consistency. Once the muffins have cooled completely, gently drizzle the glaze over the tops. This sweet glaze adds an elegant finishing touch that complements the cinnamon and apple perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress up your muffins a bit more, a light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices on top before serving can add visual appeal and an extra hint of flavor. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans as a crunchy garnish works beautifully too.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with a simple cup of hot coffee or chai tea, making for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more substantial brunch, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, you can stack the muffins on a pretty tiered platter drizzled with extra glaze and surrounded by sliced apples and cinnamon sticks. Wrapping each muffin individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming gift or lunchbox treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay moist and delicious but are best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a zip-top bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy muffins warm like fresh from the oven, microwave them for about 15–20 seconds or pop them into a toaster oven at low heat for a few minutes. The glaze might soften beautifully, making each bite even better.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance the sweetness, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Just make sure they’re firm to avoid overly mushy muffins.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and healthier option but expect a denser muffin. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 baking flour blend and add a bit of xanthan gum if it’s not included.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes! Swap the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and replace the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. The muffins will still turn out delicious.
Can I make these muffins without the streusel topping?
You can skip the streusel if you prefer a simpler muffin, but the crunchy topping adds great texture and flavor contrast that’s definitely worth trying.
How do I keep the muffins moist?
Don’t overmix the batter and be mindful of baking time. Also, the fresh apples contribute moisture naturally. Storing them properly will keep them tender longer.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is a true gem for any home baker looking to create something cozy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to for breakfast or a sweet snack anytime. Trust me, these muffins bring warmth and happiness to any table, so grab your ingredients and get baking!
Print
Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a perfect blend of tender cake and warm spices, studded with juicy apple pieces and topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel. Finished with a light vanilla glaze, they are a delightful treat for breakfast or snack time.
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
Vanilla Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix 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 evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs and then mix in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender. Then fold in 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture is crumbly.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the muffin batter among the 12 prepared muffin cups and generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each.
- Bake Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Make and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled muffins for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for baking.
- Do not overmix the batter; it should be slightly lumpy to ensure tender muffins.
- Streusel topping can be made ahead and refrigerated to save time.
- Glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more or less milk.
- Muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
