Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Apple cinnamon muffins are a classic for a reason. They’re comforting, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. This recipe is designed to be easy and approachable, even for beginner bakers. It delivers moist, tender muffins packed with apple and cinnamon goodness. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of apples and cinnamon is a timeless classic.
* **Moist and Tender:** These muffins are wonderfully moist and tender, thanks to the oil and applesauce.
* **Perfect for Fall:** The warm spices and apple flavor make these muffins ideal for autumn.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Bake a batch and freeze some for later. They thaw beautifully.
* **Kid-Friendly:** A great recipe to bake with kids – simple steps and a yummy result.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delightful apple cinnamon muffins:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** The base of the muffins. Make sure to measure it correctly (spoon and level method is recommended).
* **Baking Powder:** The leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.
* **Baking Soda:** Another leavening agent that reacts with the acidity of the applesauce, contributing to the rise and texture.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** The star spice, adding warmth and flavor.
* **Ground Nutmeg (optional):** A pinch of nutmeg complements the cinnamon and adds a subtle depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, don’t worry. You can still make the recipe without it. The muffins will still be delicious.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps the muffins brown.
* **Vegetable Oil:** Keeps the muffins moist. You can also use melted coconut oil or canola oil.
* **Applesauce:** Adds moisture and apple flavor. Unsweetened applesauce is preferred so you control the sweetness.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the overall flavor.
* **Milk:** Adds moisture and helps to create a smooth batter. You can use any kind of milk (dairy or non-dairy).
* **Apples:** Use your favorite baking apples, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** Chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or chocolate chips.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Muffin Tin:** A standard 12-cup muffin tin.
* **Muffin Liners (optional):** Makes for easier cleanup.
* **Mixing Bowls:** One large bowl for dry ingredients and one medium bowl for wet ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For combining the dry ingredients.
* **Spatula:** For folding in the apples.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Ice Cream Scoop or Large Spoon:** For evenly distributing the batter into the muffin tin.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to bake the perfect apple cinnamon muffins:

**1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin well with cooking spray.

**2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and salt. Whisk until everything is evenly combined.

**3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:**

* In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.

**4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**

* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
* Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay.

**5. Fold in the Apples:**

* Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
* If you’re using any optional add-ins (walnuts, raisins, etc.), fold them in at this stage too.

**6. Fill the Muffin Cups:**

* Use an ice cream scoop or a large spoon to evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin tin.
* Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full.

**7. Bake the Muffins:**

* Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
* The muffins should be golden brown on top.

**8. Cool the Muffins:**

* Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

**9. Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the apple cinnamon muffins warm or at room temperature.
* They are delicious on their own or with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream.

## Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Muffins

* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Room temperature eggs and milk will combine more easily and create a smoother batter.
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in too much flour in the recipe.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked muffins will be dry. Check for doneness with a wooden skewer.
* **Cool Completely Before Storing:** This prevents condensation and keeps the muffins from getting soggy.
* **Add a Streusel Topping:** For an extra touch of sweetness and texture, sprinkle a streusel topping over the muffins before baking. (See streusel recipe below).
* **Adjust Sugar to Your Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet muffin, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for an extra layer of warm spice.
* **Don’t Open the Oven Door Frequently:** Opening the oven door frequently during baking can cause the muffins to collapse.

## Variation Ideas

* **Apple Crumble Muffins:** Top the muffins with a simple crumble topping made with flour, butter, and sugar before baking.
* **Caramel Apple Muffins:** Drizzle the muffins with caramel sauce after baking.
* **Apple Walnut Muffins:** Add chopped walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch.
* **Apple Raisin Muffins:** Add raisins to the batter for a chewy texture.
* **Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Muffins:** Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
* **Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

## Streusel Topping Recipe (Optional)

This simple streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to your apple cinnamon muffins.

**Ingredients:**

* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

**Instructions:**

1. In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the muffin batter before baking.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Freezer:** To freeze the muffins, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the microwave.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream.
* Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Pack in lunchboxes for a healthy and delicious snack.
* Serve as part of a brunch spread.
* Offer as a dessert after dinner.

## Recipe Card

**Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins**

**Yields:** 12 muffins
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
* Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or chocolate chips

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, oil, applesauce, vanilla, and milk.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in diced apples and any optional add-ins.
6. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these delightful apple cinnamon muffins! They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a comforting snack, or a sweet treat any time of day. The simple ingredients and easy instructions make this recipe a winner for bakers of all skill levels. Happy baking!