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Apple Cinnamon Muffins

These soft, tender muffins are packed with tart apple pieces and warm cinnamon, creating a cozy, nostalgic treat. Baked until golden and fragrant, they feature a slightly crackled top and moist crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack, they fill the kitchen with inviting fall aromas.
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 sifted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 medium tart apples diced small
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners to prevent sticking. Gather all your ingredients to keep the process smooth.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. This creates a fluffy, evenly combined dry base.
  3. In a separate bowl, pour in the melted butter, then beat in the eggs and milk until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This forms a rich, fragrant wet mixture.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
  5. Add the diced apples and ground cinnamon to the batter. Fold gently to evenly distribute the apples without breaking them apart. The batter will be thick and fragrant with cinnamon aroma.
  6. Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise and develop a crackly top.
  7. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown, with tops that crack slightly and smell irresistibly spicy and sweet.
  8. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool slightly and set the crumb.
  9. Once cooled just enough to handle, serve the muffins warm or at room temperature. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle honey for extra sweetness and visual appeal.

Notes

For a richer flavor, toast the cinnamon lightly before adding. Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a zesty contrast, or Honeycrisp for juiciness. These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.