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Apple Cinnamon Muffins

These apple cinnamon muffins are soft, fragrant treats that combine tender baked apples with warm cinnamon spice. The batter is mixed simply and baked until golden with crackly tops, creating a comforting morning ritual. Their cozy texture and inviting aroma make them a delightful way to start the day.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 medium apples firm, tart, such as Granny Smith
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Oven
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until well combined. This creates a fluffy, evenly mixed dry base.
  3. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, uniform pieces. Toss the apple chunks in a little flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and melted butter, then whisk until smooth and slightly glossy. This creates a rich, fragrant base.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar-butter mixture, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay.
  8. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This helps achieve a nice rise and crackly tops.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the muffins turn golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.
  11. Enjoy these cozy muffins warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey, savoring the tender apple bits and aromatic cinnamon with each bite.

Notes

For extra moisture, fold in a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt before baking. Use firm, tart apples for the best texture and flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.