Ready in: 40 minutes · Serves: 12 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
These Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins are a warm and delightful way to start your day, loaded with fresh apples and spices.As the leaves in New York start to turn vibrant shades of orange and yellow, I can't help but feel the excitement of the holiday season creeping in. There's something truly special about warming your kitchen with the scent of freshly baked goods as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach. That's why I'm excited to share my tested-and-true recipe for Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins-perfect for cozy mornings or as a delightful addition to your holiday gatherings.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously moist and fluffy muffins perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
- Filled with the warm flavors of cinnamon and sweet apples, making them ideal for fall and winter festivities.
- Quick and easy to prepare, with simple ingredients that you likely already have at home.
- Customizable with optional ingredients like walnuts or varied fruits, catering to different tastes.
- Great for meal prep; they freeze well and are perfect for busy mornings or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these delightful muffins:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp recommended)
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped walnuts for an extra nutty flavor
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create scrumptious Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your muffin pan with paper liners or a good greasing. The anticipation builds as I prepare my kitchen for the golden muffins to come.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. The warm aroma of cinnamon already fills the air.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Whisk them together until smooth and glossy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla extract and milk. Stir until everything is harmoniously mixed.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle to ensure the muffins remain fluffy. Gently fold in the diced apples (and walnuts, if desired) until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Pan
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, fill each muffin liner about three-quarters full for perfect rising without overflow.
Step 6: Bake
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. They're done when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Enjoy
These muffins are best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet apples is simply comforting!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to tough muffins. Mix just until combined!
- Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for a better rise.
- Crowding the Muffin Pan: Each muffin needs space to rise. Don't overfill the liners; three-quarters full is perfect.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top of the muffin batter before baking for a lovely sweet crunch.
- These muffins freeze beautifully, so consider making a double batch to enjoy later!
- Customize your muffins by swapping apples for pears or adding in dried cranberries for a festive twist.
Variations
- Swap Honeycrisp apples for Granny Smith for a tart flavor.
- Add chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
- Incorporate spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
- Use almond milk for a dairy-free alternative.
How to Serve
- Enjoy warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast experience.
- Serve as a sweet addition to brunch gatherings.
- Top with powdered sugar for a festive dessert option.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the batter and refrigerate overnight for a quick morning bake.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for about a week.
- Reheating: Warm muffins in a microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh taste.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to three months, wrapped individually and placed in a freezer bag.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing these muffins, I learned that taking the time to peel the apples makes a significant difference in texture. I also discovered that these muffins are not only a delicious breakfast option but can easily transition into a festive dessert with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Enjoy every bite during this magical season!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 muffins · Serving Size: 1 muffin
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~180 calories · 3g protein · 28g carbs · 7g fat
Recipe by:
Cozy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your muffin pan with paper liners or a good greasing.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Whisk until smooth, then add eggs, vanilla, and milk, stirring until mixed.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts, if using, until evenly distributed.
- Fill each muffin liner about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples work great for their sweetness and crunch, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Fuji apples for added sweetness.
2. How do I store leftover muffins?
Store your Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
3. Can I add other ingredients to the muffins?
Yes! You can customize your muffins by adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even swapping apples for pears depending on your preference.
4. Why are my muffins dense?
Dense muffins can be caused by overmixing the batter. Mix the ingredients just until combined and avoid using cold ingredients for better rise.
5. How can I make my muffins more visually appealing?
For a sweet crunch on top, sprinkle coarse sugar over the muffin batter before baking. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch once they're cooled.
