Name: Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting treat that instantly feels like a warm hug, these Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins are exactly what you need. Bursting with tender chunks of fresh apples and fragrant cinnamon, each bite melts in your mouth with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack, Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins bring that perfect combination of softness, flavor, and homey goodness that you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create the soft texture and cozy flavors that define Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins. Each item plays a special role, whether it’s adding moisture, lift, warmth, or that delightful apple punch.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the muffins, providing structure without weighing them down.
Baking powder: Helps the muffins rise and stay fluffy.
Baking soda: Works with the acidic components to create a tender crumb.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses every bite with warm, spicy notes that pair perfectly with apples.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the moist texture.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps keep the muffins soft.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
Milk: Provides moisture and helps with a tender crumb.
Fresh peeled and diced apples: The star ingredient that adds juiciness and a fresh fruity bite.
Vanilla extract: Gives a subtle aromatic depth that complements cinnamon and apples.

How to Make Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This step ensures your muffins bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Combining these ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter and infuses that signature cinnamon warmth.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs together with the melted butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly ensures your muffins come out smooth and decadently moist.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and tender, then carefully fold in the diced apples, spreading juicy bites evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures fluffy, perfectly cooked muffins every time.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling just enough allows them to firm up without losing that coveted softness. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience.

How to Serve Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can elevate your Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins to new heights. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and apple juice enhances their sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. A dollop of Greek yogurt, a smear of creamy butter, or a cup of hot chai or coffee make for an inviting and satisfying breakfast or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress friends or family? Serve your Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins stacked on a pretty plate alongside small bowls of apple butter, honey, or cinnamon cream cheese spread. This interactive approach guarantees smiles and seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days when kept in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended, which will keep them moist and flavorful for about a week.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain their softness and flavor for up to three months, making them a perfect ready-made treat.

Reheating

To enjoy your Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins after storage or freezing, warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. This refreshes their soft texture and brings back that freshly baked charm.

FAQs

Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?

Absolutely! Pears or peaches work well as alternatives, but apples provide a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that’s hard to beat in Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing?

Yes, they freeze wonderfully without losing their soft texture or flavor. Just be sure to wrap them properly before freezing.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

While butter adds richness and flavor, you can substitute an equal amount of neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil to keep the muffins moist, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?

Gently folding in the diced apples rather than stirring vigorously helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, by using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, you can enjoy Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins with no compromise in taste or texture.

Final Thoughts

Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins are truly a delightful treat that combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity in every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to share with the people you love. Go ahead and try making these muffins; they’re guaranteed to fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with warmth.

Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a delightful balance of tender crumb and warm spices, featuring juicy diced apples that bring natural sweetness and moisture. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, they are easy to make and packed with comforting autumn flavors.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in tough muffins. Then fold in the peeled and diced apples carefully.
Fill Muffin Cups and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor and firmer texture that holds up well during baking.
For extra moistness, substitute half of the milk with yogurt or applesauce.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins soft and fluffy.
You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a sweet crust.
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American