These apple cinnamon mini muffins are a delightful blend of warm spices and sweet apple, baked into bite-sized treats. The muffins are soft and fluffy with a subtle apple flavor, thanks to puréed apples or unsweetened applesauce. Coated in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, each muffin has a delicious outer crust, giving you the perfect combination of sweetness and spice in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or dessert, these mini muffins are easy to make and irresistible to eat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe: You’ll love these apple cinnamon mini muffins for their tender texture and rich flavor from the combination of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The caramelized outer layer of cinnamon sugar adds a delightful crunch to every bite, while the inside stays moist and flavorful. Whether you're a fan of cinnamon or simply looking for a quick and easy recipe with warm, comforting flavors, these mini muffins are sure to become a family favorite.
Perfect Occasion: These mini muffins are perfect for brunch, breakfast on the go, or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. They’re also great for sharing at parties or family gatherings, offering a bite-sized treat that’s both satisfying and easy to serve. Make a batch for weekend mornings or freeze extras to enjoy throughout the week—they're quick to reheat and taste just as good!
Decoration Tips: For a finishing touch, dip the tops of the mini muffins in caramel sauce before serving for an added layer of sweetness and indulgence. You can also sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for a rustic, homemade look. Serve these mini muffins on a beautiful platter or in a basket lined with a kitchen towel to make them feel warm and inviting.
Ingredients for the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups (191g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/8 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/8 tsp ground nutmeg (preferably freshly ground)
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/3 cup (66g) sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil or neutral oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (113g) puréed peeled fresh apples or unsweetened applesauce (drain excess liquid if needed)
- Caramel sauce for dipping (optional)
Ingredients for the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 2/3 cup (132g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 6 tbsp (85g) melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 24-serving mini muffin pan. Do not use muffin liners, as the muffins need to form an outer crust to prevent absorbing too much butter.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the puréed apples or applesauce until the mixture is well blended.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. The batter will be thick.
- Fill the Muffin Pan:
- Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the muffins are puffy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
- Melt the butter in a separate bowl.
- Coat the Muffins:
- Once the muffins are still warm but cool enough to handle, briefly dunk each muffin in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Enjoy your soft, spiced apple cinnamon mini muffins—perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon treat!