Name: Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour (for coating apples); 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating apples); 2 cups diced apples; ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; ½ cup butter (melted); ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup ground cinnamon

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that’ll fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of spice and apples, this Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe is an absolute winner. I’ve made these muffins countless times, and every single batch comes out moist, tender, and bursting with that perfect cinnamon-spiced apple flavor. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast or whipping up a snack for the kids, this recipe truly hits the spot and might just become your new favorite go-to.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of flavors: The cinnamon and fresh apples combine beautifully without one overpowering the other.
Moist texture: The addition of melted butter on top keeps the muffins wonderfully soft and indulgent.
Easy to make: Straightforward steps and simple ingredients make this a no-fuss recipe for all skill levels.
Family favorite: My whole family goes crazy for these muffins – they disappear fast every time.

Seven golden brown muffins sit closely together on a white square pedestal cake stand, each muffin topped with a crumbly layer of cinnamon sugar that gives a textured, slightly rough look. The muffins have a few small air holes on the sides and a slightly rounded, uneven top. The background is a plain dark color and the surface below the cake stand is white marble, adding a clean contrast to the warm tones of the muffins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe plays a key role – from the sturdy all-purpose flour that gives structure to the tender apples dusted with cinnamon, creating those delightful bursts of flavor in every bite. Make sure to pick crisp apples, and feel free to grab real vanilla extract for the best aroma.

All-purpose flour: Provides the base for the muffins; using fresh flour will give the best rise.
Baking powder: Essential for that light and fluffy texture.
Ground cinnamon: You’ll want good quality cinnamon for a warm, authentic flavor.
Kosher salt: Just enough to enhance the sweetness and balance flavors.
Apples: I prefer tart varieties like Granny Smith to cut through the sweetness, but any crisp apple works.
Unsalted butter: Room temperature for creaming; it makes the batter rich and tender.
Granulated sugar: Sweet but not overpowering, and it caramelizes nicely in the topping.
Eggs: Bring everything together and add moisture – room temperature eggs mix better.
Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth that’s subtle but noticeable.
Milk: Keeps muffins moist and helps achieve the perfect crumb.
Butter (melted) and cinnamon sugar: For brushing on top – this is what gives the muffins that extra special, golden finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tried little tweaks here and there to make it my own or to suit what I have on hand, and you can totally do the same. It’s all about making these muffins your family’s favorite.

Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra cozy autumnal vibe—I started doing this last year and it instantly felt like fall in a bite.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
Vegan Twist: Replace eggs with flax eggs and butter with coconut oil; I tried this once, and while texture is slightly different, the flavor still shines!
Mix-in Fun: Toss in some chopped walnuts or raisins for added texture and bursts of flavor—my kids especially love the crunch.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tins

First things first, preheat that oven to 375º F. Trust me, having the right temperature from the start makes all the difference in how these muffins rise and bake evenly. Next, spray your muffin tins with a non-stick baking spray or generously coat with butter or shortening and flour. I like to toss out the excess flour after coating—it helps avoid any unpleasant dry patches on your muffins.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Coat Apples

In a bowl, sift together your flour, baking powder, salt, and the main batch of cinnamon. Then, in a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with a smaller mix of flour and cinnamon. This coating trick, which I discovered years ago, keeps the apples from sinking to the bottom of the batter and distributes that spicy sweetness evenly throughout.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs and Vanilla

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about three minutes. This step is key to giving your muffins a tender crumb. Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so everything emulsifies nicely. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract—you’re building layers of flavor here.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Milk, Then Apples

Gently fold your flour mixture into the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Be careful not to overmix—you want just enough to combine so the muffins will stay soft. The moment I fold in the cinnamon-coated apples is always my favorite; seeing those little apple bits throughout the batter makes my mouth water.

Step 5: Bake and Add the Topping

Scoop the batter into your muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds to three-quarters full for a perfect dome shape. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While the muffins are baking, melt the butter for the topping and mix up the cinnamon sugar. Once the muffins are out and cooled just enough to handle, dip the tops into melted butter, then into the cinnamon sugar. This little extra step adds a delightful sweet, crunchy finish that I just can’t resist.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients: It helps the batter come together more smoothly and yields better texture.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make muffins tough – mix just until combined.
Coat apples in flour and cinnamon: This keeps them suspended in the batter instead of sinking.
Brush with melted butter immediately after baking: For the best adhesion of cinnamon sugar topping and shinier muffins.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe

A close-up image of a single muffin showing a rough, golden-brown top layer sprinkled with sparkling sugar crystals that create a textured, slightly crunchy appearance; beneath the top crust, the muffin body is light beige with a soft, airy texture visible around the edges, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep things simple with these muffins—just a light dusting of powdered sugar if I’m feeling fancy. Sometimes, though, I like to add a dollop of vanilla yogurt or cream cheese spread alongside for a creamy contrast. Fresh apple slices on the side never hurt either, especially if you want to keep the theme going.

Side Dishes

These muffins go great with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For breakfast, I like pairing them with scrambled eggs or a simple spinach salad. They even make a great snack with a glass of milk or apple cider in the afternoon.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special brunches, arrange the muffins on a tiered tray and sprinkle some extra cinnamon sugar on top. You can also serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. I’ve done this for birthdays and the muffins immediately disappeared!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, popping them in the fridge works too, though I find it slightly dries them out, so reheat carefully.

Freezing

These muffins freeze wonderfully. Just wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, I microwave muffins for about 20 seconds or reheat them for 5 minutes in a 350º F oven. Both ways help restore softness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before tossing with the cinnamon-flour mixture. Excess moisture could make the batter runny and affect the muffins’ texture.
What type of apples are best for these muffins?

I recommend using tart and firm apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp. They hold up well during baking and add a nice tart contrast to the sweet cinnamon batter.
How can I prevent my muffins from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to thoroughly grease your muffin tins with butter or use a good quality baking spray. Also, flouring the tins after greasing can help. Let the muffins cool slightly before removing to avoid breakage.
Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to about 15-18 minutes and keep an eye on them since smaller muffins bake faster.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?

You can substitute butter with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, but the muffins will have a slightly different texture and less buttery flavor. For best results, I stick with butter.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe has become one of my comfort baking staples. There’s something so genuinely satisfying about biting into a soft, spiced muffin with tender apple pieces and that sweet, cinnamon sugar crust. I’ve gifted these muffins to friends, served them at gatherings, and enjoyed them on chilly mornings curled up with a warm drink. If you try this recipe, you’re in for a treat—easy to make, delicious every time, and full of love in every bite. Seriously, give it a whirl and see how quickly these muffins disappear from your kitchen!