Name: Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g); ¼ cup light brown sugar (55g); ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (43g); 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g); 1½ teaspoons baking powder; 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g); ½ cup packed light brown sugar (110g); ½ cup granulated sugar (100g); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk (120ml); 1½ cups diced apple (about 2 apples peeled and cored, 220g)

If you want a cozy, sweet treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of fall, this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is an absolute winner. I love this recipe because it’s perfectly moist, packed with tender apple pieces, and spiced just right with cinnamon—the kind of muffin that feels like a comforting hug on a chilly morning or a delightful afternoon snack. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my tips and secrets to help you bake these fan-freaking-tastic muffins effortlessly!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients & Techniques: You’ll be amazed how everyday pantry staples come together for bakery-quality muffins.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The cinnamon and apples create a nostalgic combo that never gets old.
Moist Yet Fluffy Texture: These muffins never turn out dry or dense—I promise they’ll be irresistible.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for breakfast, snack time, or a potluck, my family goes crazy for this one.

Two pieces of crumb-topped cake are placed on a white plate with blue floral patterns. The cake has a light brown color with soft, crumbly texture and visible chunks of yellow apple inside. The crumb topping is thicker and golden brown. The plate sits on a pink cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cinnamon Muffins, Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe, Easy Apple Muffins, Fall Muffins, Moist Cinnamon Muffins

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays an important role to deliver that signature apple cinnamon muffin you’ll want to bake again and again. From the diced apples for freshness to the blend of brown and granulated sugars for just the right sweetness, it all works together beautifully.

Flat lay of diced fresh apples with pale red and green skin, light brown sugar crystals, granulated white sugar, a small heap of ground cinnamon powder, cubes of unsalted butter in soft yellow, whole eggs with smooth brown shells, a small glass of creamy whole milk, and a vanilla bean pod, all beautifully arranged in a balanced composition placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cinnamon Muffins, Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe, Easy Apple Muffins, Fall Muffins, Moist Cinnamon Muffins

All-purpose flour: Use fresh flour for the best rise and texture in your muffins.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor with a hint of molasses.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice here—freshly ground tastes best.
Unsalted butter (melted and room temperature): Fat gives richness and helps create a soft crumb texture.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes your muffins fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
Diced apple: Use freshly peeled and cored apples for a juicy burst in every bite.

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

One of the things I love about this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often swap ingredients or add extras depending on the season or what’s in my pantry.

Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and a bit of earthiness—I sprinkle some on top before baking.
Spice it up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a little extra warmth during cooler months.
Dairy-free variation: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and the milk with almond or oat milk—just as delicious!
Fruit swap: Try swapping apples for pears or even pumpkin for a fall twist that my friends rave about.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples and Dry Ingredients

I always start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into small, even pieces—this ensures they bake evenly throughout. Next, toss the diced apples with a little bit of cinnamon and sugars from the recipe. In a separate bowl, whisk all your dry ingredients together: flours, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This makes sure everything is evenly distributed for perfect muffin texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, I beat the room temperature butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial because it helps trap air. You’ll notice the color lighten and the texture turn creamy, which lays the foundation for tender muffins.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Milk

Next, I add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything’s incorporated smoothly. Then, I pour in the vanilla extract and milk, giving it a final mix before gently folding in the dry ingredients along with those cinnamon-coated apples.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Before scooping batter into a greased 12-cup muffin tin, I preheat the oven to 400°F. Each muffin cup gets about ¾ full of batter. When these hit the oven, the magic begins—the tops turn golden and the muffins rise beautifully in about 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 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.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

Don’t overmix your batter: I learned this the hard way; a few lumps are okay and help keep the muffins tender instead of tough.
Use slightly tart apples: Varieties like Granny Smith add a nice contrast to the sweetness, making every bite flavorful.
Room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs and butter to room temp helps everything blend more evenly for a fluffier texture.
Watch baking times closely: Ovens vary, so start checking at 20 minutes to avoid drying out these delicate muffins.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

A group of crumb-topped muffins sits stacked on a white plate with blue patterns, showing uneven, golden-brown textured crumb layers on top that look crunchy and thick; the muffins themselves are a warm brown color with a slightly rough surface, and one muffin stands upright while others lean against each other, all resting on a white marbled surface with a blurred white plate and pink cloth nearby in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cinnamon Muffins, Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe, Easy Apple Muffins, Fall Muffins, Moist Cinnamon Muffins

Garnishes

I love topping a warm muffin with a thin spread of butter or honey right out of the oven—it adds a wonderful shine and extra richness. For special occasions, a sprinkle of coarse sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top before baking makes them look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. I’ve also found they’re great alongside a simple yogurt parfait or fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to serve these muffins in a basket lined with a linen napkin for that rustic café vibe. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes a lovely gift for friends or neighbors during apple season!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they’ve cooled completely, I store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is okay but sometimes results in a firmer texture.

Freezing

I freeze extra muffins wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer bag. When I want one, I just pull it out and let it thaw on the counter or heat it straight from frozen in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

Reheating

To bring the muffins back to their fresh-baked glory, I like to warm them in a preheated 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This helps revive the crust and melt any butter or toppings you’ve added.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen apples before adding them to the batter—too much liquid can make the muffins soggy.
How do I prevent my muffins from sinking in the middle?

Make sure not to overmix the batter, and check that your baking powder is fresh—expired leavening can cause poor rise. Also, avoid opening the oven door too early during baking as temperature drops can cause muffin centers to collapse.
Can I make these Apple Cinnamon Muffins gluten-free?

You sure can! Swap regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?

I prefer tart or slightly crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape well and add bright flavor without being overly sweet.
Can I make mini muffins instead?

Definitely! Just reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes and keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking. Mini muffins are perfect for parties or kid-friendly snacks!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe has a special place in my baking repertoire because it’s a delicious way to celebrate simple, wholesome flavors without a lot of fuss. When you make these, you’ll enjoy soft, sweet muffins with that perfect apple and cinnamon blend that feels homemade in the best way. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine—perfect for busy mornings or whenever a little comfort food craving hits.