Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins

Name: Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup diced apples (about 2 medium apples); 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Collection

I truly believe that no morning can begin without the delightful aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through the kitchen. When I created these Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins, I wanted to capture the cozy essence of fall while delivering a breakfast treat that was easy to make. The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples and a fluffy muffin base really hits the spot, making them ideal for a family breakfast or brunch with friends. Grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Created by

Matilda Rowe

Last updated on 2026-02-10T19:07:36.335Z

When I first decided to bake these muffins, I was looking to spice up my breakfast routine. I experimented with various apple varieties and settled on a sweet and tangy combination that brings a delightful balance. The secret to their moistness? A touch of yogurt in the batter, which also makes them a little more wholesome!

As I removed them from the oven, the delightful smell enveloped my entire home, making it impossible to resist trying one right away. The muffins turned out perfectly fluffy with just the right amount of cinnamon—perfect for cozy mornings or as an on-the-go snack!

Why You Will Love These Muffins
Warm and comforting cinnamon flavor paired with juicy apple pieces
Perfectly fluffy texture that makes each bite a joy
Quick to prepare, making breakfast a breeze any day of the week

The Role of Apples in Muffins

Diced apples add moisture and natural sweetness to these Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins. When selecting apples, choose varieties that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. This ensures chunky bites of apple in your muffins, providing a satisfying contrast to the fluffy texture. Plus, the apple's sweetness intensifies as it bakes, balancing the warm cinnamon flavor beautifully.

To enhance the apple flavor, you might consider tossing the diced apples in a little bit of cinnamon or a splash of lemon juice before folding them into the batter. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also helps to prevent the apples from browning too much while you prepare the rest of the recipe.

Achieving the Perfect Muffin Texture

For muffins that are perfectly fluffy and rise beautifully, be cautious not to overmix the batter. Gently folding the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined helps to develop the right texture without activating too much gluten, which can lead to dense muffins. Look for small streaks of flour remaining in the batter and don't worry if it seems a little lumpy; this is a sign that you're on the right track.

Be aware of your oven's hot spots, as they can affect how evenly your muffins bake. If you find that your muffins tend to bake unevenly, consider rotating the muffin tin halfway through the baking time. This simple step ensures that all muffins achieve that golden, perfectly baked look.

Ingredients

For the Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix yogurt, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.

Fill Muffin Tin

Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.

Bake

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

Cool and Serve

Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. You can also drizzle a simple glaze on top for added sweetness!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to three months, allowing you to have homemade muffins ready to go any day of the week.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen muffins, simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

Delicious Variations

For a fun twist, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor. Walnuts or pecans complement the apple and cinnamon beautifully, while dried cranberries can introduce a tart contrast. Feel free to experiment with spices too; a hint of nutmeg or ginger can elevate the flavor profile of these muffins even more.

If you want to create a healthier version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This would increase the muffins' fiber content while still maintaining a tender texture. Additionally, Greek yogurt can replace regular yogurt for a protein boost and a slight tanginess that pairs well with the apples.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I make these muffins vegan?

You can replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based yogurt and milk.

→ Can I store these muffins?

Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

→ What kind of apples work best?

I recommend using a mixture of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji, for the best flavor.