When the weather starts to cool and the leaves turn golden I find myself reaching for warm and cozy baking projects and nothing feels quite as comforting as apple cinnamon muffins. One autumn morning I had a few apples sitting on the counter and the scent of cinnamon in my spice rack practically begged to be used so I whipped up a batch of these muffins and my whole kitchen smelled like a hug.

Now I make these muffins all the time not just because they’re soft moist and full of juicy apple chunks but because they come together quickly and make the perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack and every time I bite into one I’m reminded of that peaceful morning and the joy of simple homemade baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
All-purpose flour – Forms the base and structure of the muffins
Baking powder – Helps the muffins rise beautifully and become fluffy
Baking soda – Works with the acidic elements to add lightness
Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness
Cinnamon – The key spice that infuses each bite with cozy warmth
Apples – Fresh chopped apples add moisture and bursts of fruit flavor
Eggs – Bind everything together and add richness
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the muffins and helps them brown
Brown sugar – Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor
Vegetable oil – Keeps the muffins soft and tender
Vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aroma and flavor
Milk – Loosens the batter and keeps it smooth

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients separately
Whisk – To blend the ingredients without overmixing
Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy in every scoop
Muffin pan – Shapes the batter into perfect muffin portions
Paper liners – Makes clean-up easy and helps the muffins release
Spatula – For folding in the apple chunks without deflating the batter
Cooling rack – Helps the muffins cool evenly after baking

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F and lining a muffin pan with paper liners

Step 2:

In one bowl I whisk together the flour baking powder baking soda salt and cinnamon until well combined

Step 3:

In a separate larger bowl I whisk the eggs with both sugars then add the oil vanilla and milk stirring until smooth

Step 4:

Then I slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined and I make sure not to overmix to keep the muffins tender

Step 5:

I fold in the chopped apples last making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter

Step 6:

Next I spoon the batter into the muffin liners filling each about three-quarters full and if I have a few apple slices left I press them lightly into the tops for a pretty finish

Step 7:

I bake the muffins for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

Step 8:

Once out of the oven I let them cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack

Tips

If your apples are extra juicy I pat them dry before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the batter

For added crunch I like to top the muffins with a sprinkle of turbinado sugar before baking

You can use a mix of apple varieties for more complex flavor

Ways to Serve

Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey

Pair with coffee or hot cider for a cozy fall breakfast

Pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy as a post-dinner treat

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze apple cinnamon muffins?

Yes apple cinnamon muffins freeze beautifully and I store them in an airtight container and reheat when needed

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes you can substitute half or all of the flour with whole wheat but the muffins may be slightly denser

What kind of apples work best?

I love using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for their sweetness and firmness but any baking apple works

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try these apple cinnamon muffins soon and they’re perfect for filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort on a cool day. Let me know how they turn out and feel free to share your favorite variations too!

Happy Cooking!