Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a charming way to start your mornings, these Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast are just the ticket. Each bite bursts with tender apple chunks and the warm hug of cinnamon, offering a comforting, sweet, and slightly spiced treat that feels like a hug in muffin form. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a slow weekend brunch, these muffins are simple enough to whip up quickly yet impressive enough to make your kitchen smell like heaven, turning breakfast into a moment you’ll look forward to every day.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and moisture that make these muffins so irresistibly soft and delicious.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure to your muffins.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the muffins rise with a fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder for perfect lift and browning.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, cozy spice flavor throughout.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients while adding moisture and richness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings buttery flavor and tender crumb.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins just right without overpowering.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and silky.
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and juicy bursts in each bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and adds a subtle aromatic note.
How to Make Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures the rising agents are evenly distributed while the cinnamon infuses the flour evenly for that classic aroma.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly before adding the melted butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. This combination creates a silky, smooth mixture that will bring moisture and flavor to the muffins.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold them together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender. You’ll want a slightly lumpy batter for soft crumb.
Step 4: Add the Apples
Fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter. These little pockets of juicy apple elevate each bite with bursts of natural sweetness and a bit of texture, making these Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast truly special.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly into a muffin tin lined with paper cups or lightly greased. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before enjoying.
How to Serve Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast

Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey over the top highlights the muffin’s sweetness without overshadowing the lovely apple and cinnamon flavors. Adding a tiny pat of butter on a warm muffin takes the experience up a notch.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a frothy latte, or simply a glass of cold milk. For a more filling breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a small bowl of Greek yogurt with fresh fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
Try splitting a muffin open and stuffing it with cream cheese or almond butter for an indulgent twist. You could also slice them and toast lightly for a different texture and layered flavor. These Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast are versatile enough to shine in many forms!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep the muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This prevents them from drying out and maintains their soft texture and wonderful aroma.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins effortlessly. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll hold up well in the freezer for up to two months, so you can enjoy your Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast anytime you want.
Reheating
Warm muffins gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness and enhance the cinnamon scent. Adding a little butter or cream cheese on top after reheating is highly recommended.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and provide a good balance of tartness and sweetness in the muffins.
Is it possible to substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can replace melted butter with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for a slightly different texture. The muffins will still be moist, but the buttery flavor will be less pronounced.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly depending on the blend used.
How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester in the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your muffins are perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins complement the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully. Just stir in about ½ cup along with the apples in Step 4 for added texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
These Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast offer the perfect balance of cozy flavors and tender texture that make mornings feel so much warmer and sweeter. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new favorite way to greet the day with a little love wrapped in a muffin liner.
PrintSoft Apple Cinnamon Muffins for Breakfast Recipe
Enjoy a warm and comforting start to your day with these Soft Apple Cinnamon Muffins. Loaded with tender, juicy apple pieces and infused with aromatic cinnamon, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or a wholesome snack. Moist and fluffy, they deliver just the right balance of sweetness and spice to please the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined, ensuring the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs slightly, then whisk in the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
- Incorporate Apples: Fold the peeled and diced apples into the wet mixture gently, making sure the fruit is evenly mixed without breaking them down.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula just until the flour disappears. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender muffin crumb.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, though the muffins may be a bit denser.
- For a dairy-free version, replace milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- These muffins stay fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze well for up to 1 month.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Adjust the cinnamon quantity based on your preference for spice intensity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon muffins, soft apple muffins, breakfast muffins, easy muffin recipe, cinnamon muffins

