Apple Cinnamon Muffins – Moist & Delicious Anytime Treat

The scent of warm cinnamon and sweet baked apples drifting through the kitchen is pure comfort on a chilly morning. These apple cinnamon muffins are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert after dinner. With a tender crumb and an optional oat topping, they’re a simple joy you can whip up any day.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

These muffins are moist and fluffy, with pockets of soft apple in every bite. They have bakery-style domed tops without any fuss. The recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare, and you can use any apple variety you love. The crumb topping is optional, but it adds a sweet, slightly crunchy finish. You can also freeze them for a quick treat later.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Ingredients You’ll Need

For the muffins:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (dairy-free optional)
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy-free optional)
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, diced

For the crumb topping (optional):

• 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1/3 cup rolled oats

Tip: Fresh cinnamon gives the best flavor, so check your spice jar date.

Step-by-Step Apple Cinnamon Muffins Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, yogurt or sour cream, and milk until smooth. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture until combined.

Fold in Apples and Fill Muffin Cups

Gently fold in the diced apples. Fill muffin cups all the way to the top for high domes.

Make and Add the Crumb Topping

Mix the crumb topping ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the muffins.

Bake with Two-Temperature Method

Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 375°F and bake for about 15 minutes more, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cooling and Serving Tips

Cool in the tin for 5–10 minutes before moving muffins to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Best Apples for Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Honeycrisp apples give a sweet crunch. Gala and Jonagold add a mellow sweetness. Braeburn and Rome offer balanced flavor. Granny Smith adds tartness to cut through the sweetness. Choose one or mix for depth of flavor.

Storage and Freezing Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag. Thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before eating. This keeps them soft and moist.

More Apple Cinnamon Muffins and Related Recipes

If you love these muffins, you might also enjoy Healthy small batch apple crumble bars, Easy apple pie oatmeal cookies, or Slow cooker apple butter. For a classic treat, try Easy Italian apple cake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Conclusion

These apple cinnamon muffins are warm, tender, and full of flavor. Try them with different apple varieties, enjoy them fresh, or keep a batch in the freezer for quick comfort. You can find more ideas and share your creations on Pinterest or Facebook.

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