There is something undeniably cozy about walking into the kitchen and smelling warm muffins baking. These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are exactly that kind of comfort. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with sweet apple flavor and a hint of cinnamon spice, they are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a little afternoon pick-me-up. Every bite has just the right balance of tender crumb and sweet, fruity goodness, making them irresistible for kids and adults alike.
I first stumbled upon this recipe on a chilly autumn morning when I wanted something quick and comforting to pair with my coffee. I had a few apples left in the fridge and decided to throw them into a muffin batter with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. The result was magical, soft, and fragrant muffins that disappeared almost as fast as they came out of the oven. Since then, they have become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for busy mornings or weekend baking sessions with family.
Why You’ll Love This
Perfectly Fluffy and Moist
These muffins are soft, tender, and perfectly moist thanks to the apples and a touch of yogurt in the batter. Every bite melts in your mouth while still holding just enough structure to enjoy without crumbling everywhere. They are comforting and filling without being heavy or dense.
Sweet Apple Flavor with a Warm Cinnamon Kick
The natural sweetness of apples pairs beautifully with cinnamon, creating a flavor combination that feels both classic and homey. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon to your liking, making it as subtle or bold as you prefer. It is a flavor that everyone seems to love and is perfect for fall or any time of year.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
These muffins are a hit with kids and adults alike. They make a fantastic lunchbox addition or a quick snack on busy mornings. The soft texture and sweet taste mean they are almost guaranteed to disappear in minutes when served at brunch or family gatherings.
Easy to Make and Versatile
Even beginner bakers can enjoy these muffins, as the recipe is straightforward with simple steps and common ingredients. You can also make substitutions or variations, such as adding nuts, swapping apples for pears, or even tossing in some raisins or chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine Type: American, Breakfast, Snack
Servings: 12 muffins
Estimated Cost: Moderate
Equipment Needed:
- Muffin tin
- Paper muffin liners or nonstick spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Optional: apple peeler or grater
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (any sweet variety works well)
Helpful Notes:
- You can substitute 1/4 cup of the butter with applesauce for a slightly healthier version.
- Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar if desired.
- Muffins are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with nonstick spray. This step ensures your muffins release easily and maintain their shape.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, so every muffin has consistent flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt until smooth and creamy. Make sure your butter is not too hot or it can cook the eggs.
Step 4: Incorporate Apples
Fold in the chopped apples to the wet mixture. The apples add moisture and natural sweetness, giving each muffin a tender and fruity bite. Make sure they are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix or the muffins can turn out dense. It is okay if a few flour streaks remain.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Nutrition Facts (per muffin)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 32 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Vitamin A: 6% DV
- Vitamin C: 4% DV
- Calcium: 3% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Apples
Choose crisp, sweet apples for the best flavor and texture. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work beautifully. Avoid overly soft apples as they can make the muffins soggy.
Do Not Overmix the Batter
Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Bring eggs and yogurt to room temperature before mixing. This helps them combine better with the butter and sugar, resulting in a smoother batter.
Check Muffins Early
Ovens can vary, so check your muffins a few minutes before the recommended bake time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
How should I store leftover muffins?
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw when needed.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Variations and Substitutions
For a twist on the classic, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of ginger or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a spiced apple muffin. You can also swap apples for pears or add shredded carrots for a slightly different flavor and extra moisture. For a nut-free version, skip any optional nuts and enjoy the muffins as-is.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These muffins pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. They are perfect for breakfast alongside a smoothie or for a light afternoon snack with fruit. For a brunch spread, serve with yogurt, fresh berries, or a smear of cream cheese for extra indulgence.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped (any sweet variety works well)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with nonstick spray. This step ensures your muffins release easily and maintain their shape.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, so every muffin has consistent flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt until smooth and creamy. Make sure your butter is not too hot or it can cook the eggs.
- Fold in the chopped apples to the wet mixture. The apples add moisture and natural sweetness, giving each muffin a tender and fruity bite. Make sure they are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix or the muffins can turn out dense. It is okay if a few flour streaks remain.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
Choose crisp, sweet apples for the best flavor and texture. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work beautifully. Avoid overly soft apples as they can make the muffins soggy. Do Not Overmix the Batter
Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones. Room Temperature Ingredients
Bring eggs and yogurt to room temperature before mixing. This helps them combine better with the butter and sugar, resulting in a smoother batter. Check Muffins Early
Ovens can vary, so check your muffins a few minutes before the recommended bake time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Baking Apple Cinnamon Muffins is a simple way to bring warmth, sweetness, and comfort into your kitchen. They are easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to delight everyone who tastes them. Try making a batch this weekend, share them with friends or family, and enjoy the sweet aroma that fills your home. Thank you for spending time in my kitchen, I hope these muffins bring as much joy to your table as they do to mine.
