Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins – Easy Small Batch Recipe

Syl M.
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Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins Story and Inspiration

The Warm Memory Behind These Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the scent of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen on a quiet morning. The first time I made Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins, it was one of those crisp autumn days when the air outside begged for something warm and freshly baked. I remember standing at the counter, stirring diced apples into the batter, the aroma of butter, cinnamon, and sugar wrapping around the room like a blanket. These Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins instantly became a cozy ritual — the kind of recipe that feels like home from the very first bite.

Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins – Easy Small Batch Recipe

Each muffin came out soft, tender, and full of flavor — the perfect balance of sweet apple pieces and warm spice. I wanted a recipe that didn’t make a full dozen (because honestly, not every morning calls for a mountain of muffins!), so I developed this small batch version you can whip up anytime. Whether enjoyed on a quiet weekday morning with coffee or shared on a slow weekend brunch, Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins bring a comforting start to the day without any fuss.

As they bake, the kitchen fills with that nostalgic mix of cinnamon and baked apple — a scent that always reminds me of old-fashioned family breakfasts and autumn memories. That’s the heart behind these Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins: simple ingredients, a cozy atmosphere, and a small batch made to brighten your morning without overwhelming your kitchen.

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Golden Bakery Style Apple Cinnamon Muffins filled with apple chunks and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

cinnamon apple breakfast muffins


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 muffins 1x

Description

These small batch cinnamon apple breakfast muffins combine tender apple pieces and warm cinnamon spice for a cozy morning treat. Ready in under 40 minutes, they yield perfectly moist bakery-style muffins without leftovers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup peeled chopped apple
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

  • Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with liners.

    2. Whisk together flour baking powder cinnamon and salt in a bowl.

    3. In another bowl whisk egg brown sugar granulated sugar melted butter milk and vanilla until smooth.

    4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.

    5. Fold in chopped apple pieces until evenly distributed.

    6. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over batter in each muffin cup.

    7. Divide batter evenly into six cups filling two-thirds full.

    8. Bake on center rack for 18 to 22 minutes until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

    9. Cool muffins in tin for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: breakfast
    • Method: baking
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 muffin
    • Calories: 180
    • Sugar: 12
    • Sodium: 150
    • Fat: 7
    • Saturated Fat: 4
    • Unsaturated Fat: 2
    • Trans Fat: 0
    • Carbohydrates: 25
    • Fiber: 2
    • Protein: 3
    • Cholesterol: 30

    Keywords: cinnamon apple breakfast muffins, small batch apple cinnamon muffins, simple apple cinnamon muffins, apple cinnamon muffins recipe, bisquick apple cinnamon muffins, apple muffin recipes, golden bakery style apple cinnamon muffins

    Why Small Batch Muffins Are Perfect for Everyday Mornings

    Small batch baking is one of my favorite kitchen strategies — it’s practical, convenient, and perfect for everyday life. When you make Small Batch Apple Cinnamon Muffins, you get all the joy of homemade baking without the leftovers piling up on the counter. Instead of a dozen muffins slowly drying out, you’ll have just enough for a couple of mornings or to share with a friend. It’s the best way to enjoy freshness in every bite.

    These Simple Apple Cinnamon Muffins are also a great option for anyone short on time or working with a smaller kitchen. No need for fancy mixers or huge baking trays — just a bowl, a whisk, and a muffin tin. The smaller yield makes it easy to experiment with flavor, too. Want them extra spiced? Add a pinch more cinnamon. Prefer a sweeter crumb? A bit more brown sugar transforms them instantly.

    Plus, baking in small batches helps reduce waste while still satisfying that craving for something homemade and flavorful. You can even bake a second batch later in the week for a freshly baked treat every time. This style of baking keeps your mornings simple and your muffins moist and delicious.

    These Small Batch Apple Cinnamon Muffins strike that perfect balance between cozy and practical — the kind of everyday recipe that’s both rewardingly delicious and wonderfully easy. Now that the inspiration and purpose are set, it’s time to gather the ingredients and tools that make these muffins so effortlessly good.

    Ingredients and Tools for Apple Cinnamon Muffins

    Essential Ingredients for Moist and Fluffy Muffins

    The secret to the perfect Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe lies in balancing moisture, sweetness, and that irresistible spiced aroma. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating tender, bakery‑style muffins that rise beautifully and stay soft for days.

    Here’s a small batch ingredient list designed to make about 6 muffins — just enough for a cozy breakfast or brunch without leftovers:

    IngredientMeasurement (for 6 muffins)Purpose / Notes
    All‑purpose flour1 cupGives structure and softness
    Baking powder1 ½ tspHelps the muffins rise and stay fluffy
    Ground cinnamon1 tspThe signature warm spice
    Salt⅛ tspBalances sweetness and enhances flavor
    Brown sugar¼ cup (packed)Adds moisture and deep caramel flavor
    Granulated sugar2 tbspLight sweetness and golden crust
    Melted butter (unsalted)3 tbspProvides rich flavor and moist crumb
    Egg1 largeBinds the ingredients together
    Milk (or buttermilk)⅓ cupAdds moisture and tender texture
    Vanilla extract½ tspEnhances the apple and cinnamon notes
    Fresh apple (peeled, chopped)½ cupBrings juicy bits of fruit to every bite
    Optional: Cinnamon sugar topping1 tbsp sugar + ¼ tsp cinnamonSprinkled on top for bakery finish

    For the best flavor, choose fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Gala — they hold their shape and add natural sweetness. Brown sugar brings depth, while a touch of vanilla ties all the cozy flavors together. If you’re pressed for time, you can even adapt this into Bisquick Apple Cinnamon Muffins by swapping flour, baking powder, and salt for 1 cup of baking mix — just be sure to reduce the sugar slightly.

    If you enjoy exploring Apple Muffin Recipes, try adding a touch of nutmeg or cardamom for a hint of sophistication, or stir in a handful of chopped nuts for added texture. The flexibility of this recipe is what makes it both approachable and endlessly satisfying — a reliable base for endless muffin magic.

    Simple Tools That Make Baking Easier

    Even the best Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe relies on the right kitchen tools to ensure perfect results. Luckily, these Small Batch Apple Cinnamon Muffins don’t require any special equipment — just a few basics you probably already have:

    • Mixing bowls (2 sizes): one for dry ingredients and one for whisking wet ingredients
    • Whisk or hand mixer: for blending without overmixing
    • Rubber spatula or spoon: to gently fold ingredients together
    • Muffin tin (6‑cup or 12‑cup): a standard‑size pan works great
    • Muffin liners or nonstick spray: for easy cleanup and release
    • Measuring cups and spoons: for precision and consistency
    • Cooling rack: allows air circulation and prevents soggy bottoms

    When baking Golden Bakery Style Apple Cinnamon Muffins, consistency and accuracy are key. Overmixing can make muffins dense, while uneven filling can cause flat tops. To achieve that perfect golden dome, fill each liner about two‑thirds full and bake on the center rack.

    Pro Tip: Test for doneness with a toothpick — if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your muffins are ready. For bakery flair, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a subtle crunch and sparkle.

    How to Make Cinnamon Apple Muffins Step by Step

    Mixing and Preparing the Batter

    Now comes the most rewarding part — bringing all the ingredients together to create the perfect Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins. Before you start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the wells.

    Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures the leavening is evenly distributed, giving your muffins a consistent rise. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients — the egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract — until smooth and slightly frothy. The mixture should look creamy and smell invitingly sweet.

    Next, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold them together until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing — the batter should be slightly thick but still easy to spoon. Fold in the chopped fresh apples gently, and you’ll see the batter speckled with small apple pieces promising juicy bites throughout.

    If you prefer a shortcut, substitute with Bisquick and reduced sugar for Bisquick Apple Cinnamon Muffins. Spoon the batter evenly into prepared cups, filling each about two‑thirds full to leave room for the perfect rise.

    Baking, Cooling, and Finishing Touches

    Place the muffin tin in the center of the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. The wonderful aroma of apples and cinnamon will soon fill your home — a sign your Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe is coming to life. The muffins should emerge with golden tops and firm edges that lift cleanly from the pan.

    For that Golden Bakery Style Apple Cinnamon Muffins texture, sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar before baking. The result is a delicate, crisp surface that sparkles when it catches the light.

    Check for doneness with a toothpick, then cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents soggy bottoms while keeping the crumb light. Enjoy your Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins plain, with glaze, or brushed with butter. Serve warm with coffee or chilled milk. Store leftovers airtight for up to two days at room temperature, or freeze for longer freshness.

    Common Questions About Cinnamon Apple Muffins + Conclusion

    FAQ Section

    1. Can I use other apples for this recipe?
    Absolutely! Try Granny Smith for tart contrast or Pink Lady for natural sweetness. Firm apples hold texture best and add balance to Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins.

    2. How do I make these muffins without eggs?
    Make Simple Apple Cinnamon Muffins egg‑free by replacing the egg with 3 tablespoons applesauce or ¼ cup mashed banana. This adjustment keeps a tender, moist texture in every Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe.

    3. Can I double this small batch recipe?
    Certainly. Doubling yields 12 muffins while maintaining the same great flavor and texture. The Small Batch Apple Cinnamon Muffins formula scales perfectly.

    4. What’s the best way to store apple muffins for freshness?
    Cool completely, then store in an airtight container. They last two days at room temperature or a week when refrigerated. Add a paper towel to prevent condensation. This helps your Golden Bakery Style Apple Cinnamon Muffins stay light and fluffy.

    5. Can I freeze Cinnamon Apple Muffins?
    Yes! Wrap each Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffin individually, store in freezer bags, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw or reheat to enjoy that just‑baked softness anytime.

    Conclusion – Bake, Enjoy, and Share the Warmth

    There’s a joy in baking something simple that fills the kitchen with warmth and familiar scent. These Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Muffins deliver all of that comfort in every golden bite.

    From mixing the batter to watching those domes rise, every step brings calm, mindful satisfaction. This small batch approach keeps mornings manageable while still offering a taste of homemade comfort. Each muffin blends soft apple bits and warm spice in a way that reminds you why baking from scratch matters.

    Let this Apple Cinnamon Muffins Recipe become your new go‑to favorite. Whether you bake them as Bisquick Apple Cinnamon Muffins for ease or stick to the classic method, they always come out moist and full of heart.

    Warm, small‑batch comfort like Small Batch Apple Cinnamon Muffins is more than a recipe — it’s a reminder that homemade happiness often starts with cinnamon, apples, and a quiet morning at home. Enjoy, share, and savor every tender bite.

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