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Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffin Tops Recipe for Perfect Cozy Mornings

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These easy apple cinnamon muffin tops are crisp, tender, and perfectly spiced, making them an ideal cozy breakfast treat with warm spices and fresh apples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 medium apple, peeled and finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • Optional topping: brown sugar and cinnamon mixture for sprinkling before baking

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a rack in the middle position and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Fold in the finely diced peeled apple gently. If apples are very juicy, pat dry with a paper towel to avoid sogginess.
  6. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter spaced about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheet. Flatten each slightly to form round muffin tops about 2 to 3 inches wide.
  7. Mix a tablespoon of brown sugar with a pinch of cinnamon and sprinkle lightly over each muffin top for a crunchy, caramelized finish (optional).
  8. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Watch closely after 15 minutes to avoid burning.
  9. Transfer muffin tops to a cooling rack and let cool for at least 10 minutes to crisp up before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep muffin tops tender. Use fresh, peeled, and finely diced apples to avoid sogginess. Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure crisp bottoms. Chilling the batter for 10-15 minutes before baking can help control spreading and keep edges crisp. Rotate baking sheet halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon muffin tops, easy breakfast, cozy mornings, quick muffin recipe, cinnamon muffin tops, apple muffins, breakfast treat