Delicious Apple Cinnamon Muffins 🍏✨

These apple cinnamon muffins are the perfect way to brighten your morning or afternoon snack! Moist, fluffy, and infused with warm spices, each bite is a delightful combination of sweet apples and aromatic cinnamon. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast on a brisk fall morning or as a delightful treat any time of year!

Ingredients

For the batter

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar added)
• 1 ¼ cups peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)

For the topping

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Optional: Chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch! 🥜

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper cups or spray with cooking oil.

• In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.

🥄 Sifting the flour before measuring will ensure your muffins have a lighter texture.

• In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

• Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

• Fold in the diced apples gently, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.

🍏 For an extra burst of flavor, you can sprinkle some lemon juice on the diced apples to prevent browning and add a zesty zing.

• Fill the muffin cups about 2/3 full with the batter.

• In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the muffins, then sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly on each muffin. If desired, add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty texture.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

🧊 For an extra treat, warm the muffins slightly and serve with a pat of butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the best results! 🌾
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and almond milk in place of buttermilk.
• Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon for an autumn twist.
• Fruit-packed: Toss in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture!

Enjoy these delightful muffins paired with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy, comforting experience! ☕🍂