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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled - 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar) - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - Extra cinnamon sugar for topping (optional) When I set out to make apple cinnamon muffins, I keep it simple. The ingredients are easy to find and fresh. I love using two types of apples. Granny Smith brings a tart taste, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can pick your favorite! Let’s break down the basics. All-purpose flour is the main base. It gives the muffins structure. Sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the muffins rise. Ground cinnamon gives that warm, cozy flavor we all love. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Next, we add eggs to bind everything together. Unsalted butter keeps the muffins rich without too much salt. Buttermilk keeps them moist; you can use regular milk mixed with vinegar if needed. Don’t forget the vanilla extract! It adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you want crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans. They add great texture. Finally, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before baking. It gives a sweet, crispy finish. Now, with these ingredients, you are set to create a delightful treat! - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare a muffin tin with liners or greasing. To start, preheating the oven is key. It ensures even baking. Use paper liners or grease the muffin tin to stop the muffins from sticking. This easy step makes for quick cleanup later. - Combine all dry ingredients in one bowl. - Whisk thoroughly to eliminate lumps. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them well. This step is vital to avoid lumps. It helps the muffins rise evenly. - Beat eggs and add melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla. - Mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Then, add melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. This creates a rich base for your muffins. - Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined. - Fold in diced apples and nuts carefully. Now, pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the muffins tough. Next, fold in the diced apples and nuts. This adds flavor and texture. - Measure and fill muffin cups three-quarters full. - Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top if desired. Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full. This leaves room for rising. If you want, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for extra sweetness. - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. - Check for doneness with a toothpick. Place the muffin tin in the oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. To check, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Enjoy the delicious aroma! To keep your muffins light, do not over-mix the batter. When you combine wet and dry ingredients, stir just until you see no dry flour. Over-mixing makes the muffins tough. Your goal is to keep them fluffy and airy. Gently fold in the apples and nuts to avoid activating the gluten too much. This helps create a tender crumb. Store your muffins in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for several days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Place the muffins in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. They will stay good for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy. Serve your muffins warm for the best taste. You can dust them with powdered sugar to add a sweet touch. For a special treat, try pairing them with flavored butter or spreads. Cinnamon butter or honey spread works wonderfully. These simple touches make your muffins even more delightful! {{image_4}} You can easily make these muffins gluten-free. Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well, so choose one that you like. The texture may change a bit, but the flavor will still shine through. If you prefer vegan muffins, there are great egg and butter alternatives. Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use unsweetened applesauce. For the butter, try coconut oil or vegan butter. These swaps keep your muffins moist and tasty. You can get creative with add-ins! Consider adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for sweetness. Spices like nutmeg or ginger can add warmth and depth. You can also mix in different nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for crunch. Each option gives your muffins a unique twist. Yes, you can use other fruits! Try pears, bananas, or berries. To use these fruits, chop them into small pieces. Mix them into the batter just like the apples. Each fruit brings its own taste and texture. For example, bananas add sweetness and moisture. To check if your muffins are done, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Also, the tops should be golden brown and spring back when touched. Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. However, I recommend using the batter within 24 hours for best results. If you wait longer, the muffins may not rise as well. To boost flavor, add more spices like nutmeg or ginger. You can also use flavored extracts, like almond or maple. Consider mixing in citrus zest, like lemon or orange, for a fresh twist. These small changes make your muffins even more delightful! This blog post shared a simple recipe for apple cinnamon muffins. It covered key ingredients, steps, and helpful tips to ensure success in your baking. Using fresh apples and nuts can enhance flavor, while options for storage and variations cater to different needs. Keep it fun and explore other fruits or add-ins to make it your own. Enjoy your warm muffins fresh from the oven, as they bring joy to your kitchen and taste buds! Happy baking!

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of Apple Cinnamon Joy Muffins! These fluffy treats combine fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and optionally, crunchy nuts for the perfect baked snack. Ideal for breakfast or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this simple recipe is easy to follow and delivers satisfying results. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with your baking skills!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended for flavor)

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for added texture)

Extra cinnamon sugar for topping (optional for finishing touch)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk to blend these dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps.

      In a separate bowl, crack the two large eggs and beat them lightly. Then, add the melted butter (that has cooled slightly), buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

        Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the mixture just until combined. It's important not to over-mix, as this can lead to dense muffins.

          Carefully fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if you choose to include them), ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without overworking the mixture.

            Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, distribute the muffin batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.

              For an extra touch, sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon sugar over the tops of the batter-filled muffin cups. This will create a delightful sweetness and crunch once baked.

                Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

                  Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. After this, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing air to circulate around them.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 12 muffins

                      - Presentation Tips: For a lovely presentation, serve the muffins warm with a small pat of butter melting on top. Alternatively, for a touch of elegance, lightly dust them with powdered sugar. Arrange the muffins on a rustic wooden platter to add to the charm and make them visually appealing at your next gathering!