These vanilla glazed apple cinnamon muffins are tender, moist, and full of warm fall flavors. The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and a smooth vanilla glaze makes each bite irresistible. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love how quick and simple this recipe is—ready in about 35 minutes and made with basic ingredients you likely already have. The muffins bake up soft with chunks of apple in every bite, and the vanilla glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, it’s a small-batch recipe, perfect when you want a homemade treat without leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 apple, finely chopped or grated
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon milk or cream

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease 3–4 muffin tins.
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, combine milk and beaten egg. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Stir in melted butter. Combine the sugar with chopped apple, then fold the apple mixture into the batter.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and spring back when gently pressed.
7. While the muffins cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk together to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over warm muffins and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 3–4 muffins.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Caramel twist: Drizzle caramel sauce instead of vanilla glaze for a rich flavor.
• Whole wheat option: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin.
• Spiced version: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for deeper spice notes.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. For longer storage, freeze muffins (without glaze) for up to 2 months and glaze after reheating.

FAQs

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

The tops should be golden and spring back when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients to make about 6–8 muffins.

What type of apples work best?

Sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji add great flavor and texture.

Can I use whole milk instead of regular milk?

Absolutely. Whole milk adds richness, but any milk or plant-based milk will work.

Can I make these muffins without the glaze?

Yes, they’re delicious plain or dusted with a little cinnamon sugar.

How can I make them dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk for a completely dairy-free version.

Why did my muffins come out dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter—stir just until ingredients are combined.

Can I add oats to the batter?

Yes, replace 2 tablespoons of flour with quick oats for extra texture.

How long should the glaze sit before serving?

Let it set for about 5 minutes; it will slightly harden while still staying glossy.

Can I bake these as mini muffins?

Yes, bake mini muffins for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Conclusion

These Vanilla Glazed Apple Cinnamon Muffins are the perfect blend of cozy and sweet. With tender apple bits and a smooth vanilla drizzle, they bring all the comfort of homemade baking in a small, satisfying batch. Ideal for quiet mornings, brunch gatherings, or any time you crave a warm, spiced treat fresh from the oven.

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