If you’re searching for a cozy treat that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or a lazy afternoon, this Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender apple pieces, a gentle cinnamon spice, and a buttery crumb topping, these muffins are the ultimate comfort food. The balance of sweet and tart apples, along with the soft, moist crumb, makes every bite a little moment of joy. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or a crowd, these muffins effortlessly bring warmth and happiness to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and that irresistible golden color every muffin lover craves.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Used for the crumb topping to create a delicate, buttery crust.
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar: Sweetens the crumb topping without overpowering the spice.
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the crumb topping with cozy spice warmth.
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened at room temperature): Adds richness and aids in the crumbly texture of the topping.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the muffin batter for structure and softness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (aluminum-free): Helps the muffins rise light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with baking powder for the perfect lift.
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt: Highlights all the flavors in the batter.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: The heart of the muffin’s signature spice flavor.
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and deeper caramel notes.
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with texture.
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened at room temperature): Gives the batter a rich, tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature): Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the cinnamon and apple flavors effortlessly.
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt, at room temperature): Adds moisture and slight tang for balance.
- ¼ cup whole milk (at room temperature): Loosens the batter to ensure a soft, moist texture.
- 2 medium apples (any kind*, cut into ¼” thick pieces, 2 cups diced): The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and juiciness.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by heating your oven to 425°F to ensure it’s nice and hot when your muffins go in. Then, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple setup step sets the stage for perfect muffins.
Step 2: Craft the Perfect Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon before adding softened butter. Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the dry mixture until tiny pea-size crumbs form. This crumbly texture will bake into a delightful, buttery top that adds the perfect crunch to your muffins. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Muffin Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This blend ensures your muffins have the right rise and just enough spice in every bite. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly allows for even distribution of flavors and leavening agents.
Step 4: Cream the Wet Ingredients
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat together both sugars and softened butter on high speed until light and fluffy—about two minutes. Then, add eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Blend in vanilla extract for warmth. Next, mix in sour cream and milk on medium speed until the mixture is smooth. This creamy, well-aerated batter is the secret to soft, tender muffins.
Step 5: Gently Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, mixing gently on a low to medium speed. The key here is not to over-mix; stop as soon as the batter comes together and no dry streaks remain. Thick and luscious, this batter promises moist, fluffy muffins with every scoop.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples and Add Crumb Topping
With a spatula, carefully fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking down. Divide the batter evenly into the lined muffin tin—don’t worry if it looks like a lot of batter, it bakes just right. Finally, spoon approximately one tablespoon of the crumb topping over each muffin, pressing it lightly towards the center for a golden, crunchy finish.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 425°F for 15 to 18 minutes until the muffin tops turn beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack. Enjoy the intoxicating aroma and all the warm, spiced goodness you’ve just created.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle warm honey atop your muffins for an added touch of sweetness. For a little extra indulgence, a smear of softened butter or cream cheese pairs heavenly with each bite.
Side Dishes
Consider serving these muffins alongside a steaming mug of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the warm cinnamon flavor. A dollop of vanilla yogurt or a simple fresh fruit salad can add brightness and balance to the meal as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe into a brunch feature by stacking three muffins alongside a small bowl of apple butter or spiced maple syrup for dipping. Alternatively, slice muffins in half and create mini breakfast sandwiches with cream cheese and crispy bacon for a savory twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your baked muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and moist for up to three days, perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cinnamon-scented delights longer, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen muffins maintain their flavor and texture for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive their just-baked warmth, reheat muffins in a microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for five to seven minutes. This will restore their soft center and crispy crumb topping beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer tart Granny Smith or sweet Fuji apples, each variety brings a unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
Is it necessary to use room temperature ingredients?
Yes, using room temperature eggs, milk, and sour cream helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a lighter texture and better rise.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
You can use Greek yogurt as an excellent substitute for sour cream; it adds a similar tang and moisture without altering the flavor significantly.
What’s the best way to avoid over-mixing the batter?
Mix the dry ingredients into the wet in small batches and stop as soon as the flour disappears. Over-mixing can cause tough muffins, so gentle folding is the key to tender results.
Can I make the crumb topping in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crumb topping a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before using to make sure the butter mixes well into crumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe is truly one of those treats that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its comforting spice, tender apples, and sugary crumb topping, it’s bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joy of homemade muffins fresh from your oven. Happy baking!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Apple Muffins are a delightful treat boasting soft, moist crumb bursting with fresh apple pieces and a crunchy cinnamon crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these muffins combine warm spices, tender apples, and a buttery crumb topping baked to golden perfection in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Crumb Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
Muffin Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt, at room temperature)
- ¼ cup whole milk (at room temperature)
- 2 medium apples (any variety, cut into ¼” thick pieces, approximately 2 cups diced)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and set aside to prepare the muffin batter and topping.
- Make the crumb topping: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup flour, ¼ cup sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Add 4 tablespoons softened butter and use your fingertips to rub the mixture until pea-sized crumbs form and the texture is no longer sandy. Set aside.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Set aside for later incorporation.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together both sugars (½ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar) and 8 tablespoons softened butter on high speed for 2 minutes using a hand or stand mixer. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract. Then add sour cream and milk, beating on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, mixing gently on low to medium speed. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as no dry streaks remain. The batter will be thick. Scrape down the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Add the apples: Fold the diced apples gently into the batter using a spatula until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups using a trigger-release scoop or spoon. Although it seems like excess batter, it bakes perfectly.
- Top and bake: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the prepared crumb topping onto the center of each muffin, pressing down lightly to adhere. Bake at 425°F for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use any apple variety you prefer; sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala work well.
- Ensure ingredients like butter, eggs, sour cream, and milk are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins tender and fluffy.
- Line muffin tins with paper liners for easy removal and cleanup.
- The crumb topping adds delightful texture but can be omitted if desired.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
