Muffins with apples and cinnamon

Muffins with Apples and Cinnamon are a delightful fall-inspired treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. The combination of tender apple chunks and warm cinnamon creates a comforting and delicious flavor. Here’s a recipe to make these scrumptious muffins:

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (about 2 medium) peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping (optional):

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.

5. Fold in Apples:

   • Gently fold in the diced apples.

6. Fill Muffin Tin:

   • Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

7. Prepare and Add Topping (Optional):

   • If using the cinnamon sugar topping, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle a bit of this mixture over the top of each muffin before baking.

8. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.

9. Cool:

   • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• Apples: For best results, use firm apples that hold their shape well during baking.
• Mixing: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the muffins tender and light.
• Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

These Muffins with Apples and Cinnamon are perfect for cozy mornings or as a sweet treat any time of day. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or warmed up with a cup of tea or coffee!