Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins

Name: Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Oven-Crafted Sweets

I am excited to share my favorite recipe for Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins! These scrumptious muffins are perfect for a cozy morning at home or to enjoy on-the-go. The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon creates a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake. Each bite offers a tender crumb with a hint of spice, making them irresistible. Plus, they're incredibly easy to whip up, which is always a bonus in my book. If you're looking for a delicious way to start your day, you've found it!

Created by

Riley Dawson

Last updated on 2026-02-15T05:29:36.063Z

Baking these Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins brought back fond memories of my childhood, where the scent of cinnamon in the air always signaled a special morning treat. I experimented with different apple varieties and discovered that a mix of tart and sweet apples creates a wonderful balance in flavor. Using a splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall taste, making each muffin taste like a warm hug!

I love how versatile this recipe is. You can easily swap out the apples for your favorite fruits like pears or berries, and add nuts for an extra crunch. Baking them in a silicone muffin pan helps them to come out effortlessly, ensuring each muffin is perfectly shaped and golden.

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Moist and fluffy texture with just the right amount of spice
Loaded with fresh apples and a delightful cinnamon flavor
Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert!

Perfecting Your Muffin Technique

To achieve the ideal muffin texture, it's crucial not to overmix the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough muffins instead of the light and fluffy texture we're after. Stir just until you don't see any dry flour; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This technique helps create that delightful crumb we all love.

Another key to success is the temperature of your ingredients. Using room-temperature eggs and milk can enhance the final rise of your muffins. Cold ingredients can hinder the batter's ability to aerate properly, resulting in less fluffy muffins. Plan ahead to allow your dairy and eggs to come to room temperature before you start baking.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of apples greatly impacts the flavor and moisture of your muffins. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent due to their balance of sweetness and acidity. If you prefer a milder flavor, Fuji or Gala apples work well, too. Make sure to peel and dice them uniformly for even distribution throughout the batter.

Butter plays a significant role in the muffins' flavor and moisture content. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium level of your muffins better. If you're looking for a lighter option, you could substitute half of the butter with applesauce, which maintains moisture while reducing fat.

Ingredients

For the Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Muffin Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin pan or line it with muffin liners.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Combine Both Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts, if using.

Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy Your Muffins!

Pro Tips

For best results, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg for a different flavor profile.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins are perfect for meal prep! You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just spoon the batter into the muffin cups and bake as usual. This way, you can enjoy fresh, warm muffins with minimal effort on busy mornings.

If you have leftovers, allow the muffins to cool completely before storing them. They can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer. They freeze well for up to three months, and you can reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast treat.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these muffins fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter, or try them with a dollop of cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for brunch gatherings or cozy afternoons.

For a fun twist, consider adding a crumb topping made from a mix of oats, brown sugar, and additional cinnamon before baking. This adds a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the muffin and makes each bite even more delightful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

→ How should I store the muffins?

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I add raisins or other fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to add raisins, cranberries, or even some shredded carrots for added moisture and flavor.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as an egg substitute.