Apple Cinnamon Muffins

These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are soft, moist, and bursting with warm fall flavors. Packed with grated and diced Granny Smith apples, a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a buttery crumble and sweet glaze, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea!

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 Granny Smith apple, grated (about 1 cup)
• 1 Granny Smith apple, diced (about 1 cup)

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, divided

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line it with muffin wrappers.

Step 2: Make the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour , baking powder , baking soda , cinnamon , nutmeg , and salt . Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter , granulated sugar , and light brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs , one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract .

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Pour half of the dry mixture into the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
2. Add the remaining dry mixture and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold in the grated apple and diced apple until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Pan

1. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each well about ¾ full . Use a cookie scoop for even distribution if desired.
2. Set aside while you prepare the crumble topping.

Step 6: Make the Crumble Topping

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour , granulated sugar , light brown sugar , and cinnamon .
2. Using a fork, mix in the melted butter until large crumbs form. Do not overmix—keep the texture crumbly.
3. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the muffin batter, lightly pressing down to help it adhere.

Step 7: Bake

1. Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–22 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
2. Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes . Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk (or cream) until smooth.
2. If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining 1–2 tablespoons of milk (or cream) , one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 9: Drizzle and Serve

1. Once the muffins have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the tops using a spoon or piping bag.
2. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy flavors of apple and cinnamon!

Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature ingredients : Softened butter and eggs mix more easily, creating a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter : Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Mix until just combined.
• Customize the apples : Swap Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
• Storage : Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat.
• Serve as part of a brunch spread alongside yogurt parfaits or scrambled eggs.

Enjoy these Apple Cinnamon Muffins —a soft, spiced, and apple-packed treat that’s perfect for any time of day!