If you’re craving a cozy, comforting start to your day, these Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast are exactly what you need. Imagine biting into tender, fluffy muffins bursting with sweet, tender apple chunks and a warm cinnamon spice that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. These muffins strike the perfect balance of moist and soft, making every morning feel special whether you’re rushing out the door or savoring a slow weekend breakfast. Their inviting texture and familiar flavors make them a fast favorite for both kids and adults alike.

Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast comes from simple, everyday ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each element plays a critical role in creating the soft texture, gentle sweetness, and enticing aroma you’ll fall in love with.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness that make the muffins so tender.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the muffins rise to light, airy perfection.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the batter to achieve a perfectly soft crumb.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, classic spice flavor that sings in every bite.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the cinnamon.
2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the muffins.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings moistness and a subtly rich flavor.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins without overpowering the apple’s natural sweetness.
½ cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds tenderness.
1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples: The star ingredient, adding juicy bursts of fruit in every mouthful.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a lovely aromatic note.

How to Make Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right for achieving a golden top and a soft, tender crumb. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, which makes for easy cleanup and helps your muffins hold their shape beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until everything is evenly distributed. This step ensures that your muffins will rise evenly and carry that warm cinnamon spice in every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the melted butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. This combination creates a rich batter that will keep the muffins soft and tender. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot when you add it, or it could cook the eggs prematurely.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together, Add Apples

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so keep that stir light. Carefully fold in the peeled and diced apples—this adds bursts of juicy sweetness in every muffin.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups and Bake

Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full to give the muffins room to rise. Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean when they’re perfectly done.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, just enough to set their structure. Then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. These Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast are delectable warm or at room temperature, so grab one and enjoy that fresh-baked goodness.

How to Serve Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast

Garnishes

To enhance the cozy experience of these muffins, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of honey on top. A small pat of butter melting into the warm muffin is classic and heavenly, bringing out all the buttery richness and apple flavors.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with morning staples like a cup of hot coffee or a spiced chai latte. For something heartier, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness and add a nutritious touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch gathering, cut the muffins in half and lightly toast them, then layer with cinnamon cream cheese or apple butter for an extra indulgent treat. You can also thread mini versions of these muffins onto skewers with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a fun, shareable breakfast display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and moist, preserving that fresh-baked flavor and texture that makes these muffins so special.

Freezing

If you want to savor these muffins beyond a few days, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months, ready whenever you need a comforting breakfast fix.

Reheating

To bring frozen muffins back to life, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm in a microwave for about 20 seconds. Alternatively, heating them in a toaster oven for 5 minutes gives the muffin a slight crunch on the outside while keeping the inside deliciously soft.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use tart apples like Granny Smith for a bit more tang or sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just make sure to dice them small so they cook evenly in the muffins.

Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, but choose one that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly but they’ll still be soft and flavorful.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch that complements the soft muffins nicely. Dried cranberries or raisins can also add extra bursts of flavor and chewy texture.

What if I don’t have milk on hand—can I use a substitute?

You can swap regular milk for almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk in equal amounts. These alternatives keep the muffins moist and tasty without changing the overall flavor much.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the muffins?

Toss the diced apples lightly with a teaspoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This coats them and helps keep them evenly suspended throughout the muffins as they bake.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast are truly a delightful way to start any morning. Their inviting aroma, soft texture, and wonderful balance of sweet apples and warming cinnamon make them a beloved classic you’ll return to time and again. Give this recipe a try and watch how easily it becomes a staple in your breakfast routine, loved by all ages and perfect whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or feeding a hungry crowd.

Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 24 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins are a delightful breakfast treat packed with tender diced apples and warm cinnamon flavor. Perfectly moist and fluffy, they make a comforting start to your day or a sweet snack anytime.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined for even distribution of ingredients.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the muffins tough.
Add Apples: Gently fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking down.
Fill and Bake: Evenly divide the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins soft and tender.
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free muffins.
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American