If you love warm, cozy flavors that remind you of home and crisp autumn mornings, then you’re going to adore this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe. I absolutely love how these muffins come out tender and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweet apple and fragrant cinnamon. Whether it’s for a quick breakfast or an afternoon treat with your coffee, these muffins always hit the spot. Keep reading because I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your batch comes out perfect every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this batter in about 10 minutes flat—perfect for busy mornings.
- Perfectly Moist: The combination of oil, milk, and fresh apple keeps these muffins wonderfully soft and moist.
- Flavor-packed: Freshly grated Granny Smith apples and warming cinnamon pair beautifully for a delicious bite each time.
- Kid-approved: My family goes crazy for these muffins and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. I always recommend using fresh Granny Smith apples for the best tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your muffins, giving structure and a light crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right; you can adjust slightly if you prefer less sweet.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Baking powder: Your secret to fluffy muffins that rise beautifully.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Helps keep the muffins moist and tender.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Milk: Moistens the batter; whole milk gives a richer result but any milk works.
- Granny Smith apple (grated): Adds fresh apple flavor and moisture throughout.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with apple.
Variations
I love to make this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe my own depending on the season or what’s in the pantry. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your taste—you’ll discover new favorites that way.
- Add nuts or raisins: I often toss in chopped walnuts or golden raisins for extra texture and a bit of chewy sweetness. My kids never know these are optional—they simply love the crunch.
- Use different apples: While Granny Smith is my go-to, sometimes I mix in Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter and juicier bite.
- Swap spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom if you want a slightly different spice profile that’s just as warm and inviting.
- Make it vegan: You can replace the egg with a flax egg and use your favorite plant-based milk to suit vegan preferences.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. This is one of those little prep steps that makes cleanup so much easier later! While your oven heats, gather your dry ingredients to whisk together—it’s the easiest way to make sure everything is evenly combined and your muffins rise perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients Just Right
I like to pour the oil into a 1-cup glass measuring cup first. Then, lightly beat the egg and add it to the oil. From there, fill the measuring cup up to the 1-cup line with milk and whisk everything together until smooth. This method keeps your measurements accurate and ensures the wet ingredients are fully combined before adding them to the dry.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry, Add Apple and Cinnamon
Pour your wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but don’t overdo it! Overmixing can make the muffins tough, so I usually stop when I no longer see dry patches of flour. Then fold in the freshly grated Granny Smith apple and cinnamon, which gives the muffins those delightful pockets of flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Fill Muffin Tin and Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly into your muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This helps the muffins bake evenly and rise nicely without spilling over. Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. I always check around 15 minutes so I can catch them at that perfect golden-brown stage.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
- Use Fresh Apples: I discovered this trick when I switched from pre-packaged apples to freshly grated Granny Smith—it makes such a difference in moisture and flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir gently until just combined to keep your muffins light and tender.
- Check Your Oven Temperature: I always use an oven thermometer because not all ovens bake at the exact temperature, and these muffins need that steady 400°F.
- Fill Muffin Cups Properly: Filling them two-thirds full ensures the perfect rise without messy overflow.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
I love to keep it simple with these muffins. Sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin spread of butter enhances their cozy flavor without overpowering the apple cinnamon goodness. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of honey or a smear of cream cheese is divine too.
Side Dishes
Pair your Apple Cinnamon Muffins with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee for breakfast. For a snack, they’re fantastic alongside a simple yogurt parfait topped with granola and fresh fruit—you’ll enjoy the mix of textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch, try arranging these muffins on a pretty platter alongside sliced apples and cinnamon sticks to bring out the seasonal vibes. You can even serve them warm in cute paper bags as a grab-and-go treat at parties or events—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover muffins keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. I always recommend giving them a quick check to make sure they’re still fresh and moist, but they usually disappear before needing storage!
Freezing
I’ve frozen these muffins many times with great success. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a freshly baked taste.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer microwaving the muffins for a few seconds—it brings back that warm, soft texture perfectly. If you want a bit of a crusty top, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a low oven (around 300°F) does wonders without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of apple for this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a crisp tartness that balances the sweetness beautifully, you can substitute with other varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Just note that sweeter apples might make the muffins a little less tangy, and juicier apples could add extra moisture.
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How do I prevent my muffins from being dense or dry?
Great question! The key is not to overmix your batter. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened—lumps are okay. Also, be sure to measure your flour correctly; too much flour can lead to dryness. Using oil and fresh grated apples helps keep the muffins moist.
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Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for best results. Keep an eye on the texture during mixing, as gluten-free batters can behave differently.
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What’s the best way to store leftover muffins?
Store leftover Apple Cinnamon Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually. Reheat gently to enjoy their fresh-baked taste.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s one of those comforting recipes I turn to when I want something simple yet full of warmth and flavor. Every time I bake these, the smell alone fills my kitchen with happiness. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see how easily you can whip up a batch of cozy, delicious muffins that your family will love as much as mine does. Happy baking, friend!
PrintApple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins, 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a delightful breakfast or snack option, combining the natural sweetness of grated Granny Smith apples with warm cinnamon spices. Moist and tender, they bake up perfectly golden and make for a comforting treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons Granny Smith apple (grated)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: Pour the oil into a 1-cup glass measuring cup. Add the lightly beaten egg to the oil. Fill the measuring cup with milk up to the 1-cup mark, then beat the mixture until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine, mixing just until the batter comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
- Add Apples and Cinnamon: Fold in the grated Granny Smith apple and ground cinnamon carefully into the batter.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to keep them fresh.
Notes
- Apple cinnamon muffins make a perfect cozy breakfast on crisp fall mornings.
- They also serve as an easy and wholesome snack for after school or anytime cravings.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep muffins tender instead of tough.
- Use fresh Granny Smith apples for a bright tart flavor and good texture.
- These muffins freeze well if you want to make a larger batch ahead of time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 172 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 106 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 14 mg
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