Name: Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour (for coating apples); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating apples); 2 cups diced apples; ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; ½ cup butter (melted); ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup ground cinnamon

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug in muffin form, you’ve got to try this Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe. I absolutely love how these muffins come out bursting with sweet, tender apples and the warm spice of cinnamon, making them the perfect go-to breakfast or afternoon snack. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a family favorite you’ll want to whip up again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh apples for an easy-to-make, wholesome muffin.
Bursting with Flavor: The warm cinnamon and juicy apples pair beautifully for a mouthwatering bite every time.
Perfect Texture: Moist, tender crumb with a delightful cinnamon sugar crust on top.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of these muffins — ideal for breakfasts, snacks, or even dessert.

A white pedestal cake stand filled with a mix of red and yellow apples sits on a white marbled surface. To the left of the stand are a clear glass jar of sugar, a brown bottle labeled vanilla extract, and a small clear jar with a metal lid containing cinnamon. To the right of the stand, a white bag of all-purpose flour stands upright, positioned behind a light wooden cutting board with a stainless steel knife resting on it. The background is softly blurred white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination of fresh diced apples with cinnamon creates that classic fall-inspired flavor we all adore. I always suggest picking crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, since they hold their shape well and provide a nice tangy contrast to the sweet muffin batter.

All-purpose flour: The base of your muffins for that tender yet sturdy crumb.
Baking powder: Helps your muffins rise perfectly fluffy.
Kosher salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Split between batter and apple coating for layered spice.
Diced apples: Fresh and crisp, they add moisture and bursts of flavor in every bite.
Unsalted butter (room temperature): Creamed with sugar to give the muffins richness and tenderness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins and caramelizes in that cinnamon sugar topping.
Eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients while adding moisture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
Milk: Adds moisture and keeps the crumb soft.
Melted butter (for topping): Brush on after baking to help the cinnamon sugar stick and add richness.
Ground cinnamon and granulated sugar (for topping): The sweet, spicy crust that your family will rave about.

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

I love making this recipe my own by mixing in a few tweaks depending on the season or mood. Cinnamon and apples are such a versatile duo that you can easily play around with add-ins or changes to suit your lifestyle.

Nutty Twist: I once tossed in some chopped walnuts for extra crunch, and my family went crazy over the texture contrast.
Gluten-Free Version: Using a gluten-free flour blend works well here; just be sure to check how it bakes and adjust liquids if needed.
Maple Syrup Swap: For a natural sweetener, I sometimes swap half the sugar for maple syrup, which adds a subtle, deep sweetness.
Seasonal Fruit Mix: When apples aren’t in season, I’ve replaced them with pears or even blueberries, and the muffins still come out fabulous.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Apples

This is a super important step! Preheat your oven to 375º F to get it nice and hot. I like to spray my muffin tin with baker’s spray or coat it with butter and flour. Just be sure to shake out any excess flour so you don’t get a weird powdery rim on your muffins. Meanwhile, toss your diced apples in a little flour and cinnamon mixture — this step keeps the apples suspended evenly in the batter without sinking to the bottom. It’s a trick I discovered and now never skip.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. I find sifting really helps to get everything evenly combined and gives the muffins a lighter texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — usually about 3 minutes. This step makes a big difference in the final texture! Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. I always ensure my eggs are room temperature so the batter doesn’t curdle.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet, Fold in Apples

Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Be careful not to over-mix here — just fold until combined to keep your muffins tender. Finally, fold in the coated diced apples. This batter is wonderfully thick, so scoop it into your muffin tins about two-thirds to three-quarters full.

Step 5: Bake and Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Bake your muffins for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While they bake, melt the butter for the topping and mix your cinnamon and sugar in a separate bowl. When the muffins come out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then brush or dip the tops in melted butter and swirl them through the cinnamon sugar. This step creates the magical sweet crust that everyone loves.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe

Use Crisp Apples: I’ve learned that firmer apples hold their texture better during baking, avoiding mushy bites.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until the dry ingredients disappear to keep muffins nice and tender.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and butter at room temp blend easier and result in a smoother batter.
Topping Timing: Apply the cinnamon sugar topping right after baking while muffins are warm so it sticks perfectly.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe

A close-up view of a single muffin with a golden-brown top dusted evenly with coarse cinnamon sugar, showing a slightly cracked surface that reveals its soft, light-yellow inside. The muffin appears fluffy with a rough texture and small visible crumb details on the side. It is placed on a white marbled surface, with no other objects in sight. The image focuses tightly on the muffin's top and upper side, highlighting the sugary topping and warm baked color photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep it classic with a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top if I’m serving these at brunch. Sometimes, I like a smear of honey butter or a little cream cheese for added indulgence — it’s amazing how those simple touches elevate the experience.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a more substantial breakfast, I often serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to place cinnamon sticks as stirrers inside each muffin holder for decoration and aroma. Passing these muffins on a rustic wooden tray lined with a linen napkin creates a cozy, inviting vibe that guests always complement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any muffins leftover (and believe me, that happens rarely in my house), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I’ve found that keeping them outside the fridge preserves their moisture best.

Freezing

I often freeze these muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully and last up to 3 months—perfect for quick snacks whenever you want.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a muffin in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 350ºF oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This refreshes the texture nicely without drying them out.

FAQs

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

You can, but I recommend thawing and draining them very well to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter, which could make the muffins soggy. Fresh apples usually give the best texture.
How do I make these muffins dairy-free?

Try swapping the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor remains delicious.
Why do we toss the apples in flour and cinnamon before adding to batter?

Coating the apples helps to keep them suspended throughout the batter instead of sinking to the bottom during baking. It also adds an extra cinnamon kick directly on the fruit.
Can I make mini cinnamon apple muffins?

Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes, and keep a close eye on them since they’ll bake more quickly.
What type of cinnamon is best for this recipe?

I prefer using a good-quality ground cinnamon like Ceylon or Saigon cinnamon for a richer, sweeter flavor. It really makes a difference in the overall taste.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Muffins Recipe is one of those comforting, dependable recipes I keep close to my heart — and my kitchen. I love how it’s straightforward enough for a novice baker, yet yields bakery-worthy results that impress every time. If you want a tried-and-true muffin recipe bursting with classic autumn flavors, give this a try and get ready for some serious yum (and compliments!). Trust me, you’ll enjoy making and sharing these as much as eating them.