Warm, cozy Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins made with simple ingredients — perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or winter treat your whole family will love.
Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins — Cozy Winter Breakfast in 30 Minutes
I simply love apple season, and the fact some of the apples last through the winter season keeps that love alive through my cozy breakfast bakes. If you’ve been searching for a breakfast that’s both cozy and easy, these Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are exactly what you need. With simple ingredients and no complicated steps, you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes, making busy mornings feel a little more special.
Soft, tender, and perfectly spiced, these muffins strike the ideal balance between wholesome and indulgent. The oats add a subtle heartiness, while the chunks of apple bring a fresh, juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the warm aroma of cinnamon. They’re just sweet enough to satisfy, without being overpowering, and they stay soft for days — making them perfect for breakfast on the go, a midday snack, or even a little cozy treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just craving a little morning comfort, this recipe is fail-proof and approachable for every home cook. Even if you’ve never baked muffins from scratch, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is — and how fast your kitchen will fill with the inviting scent of cinnamon and apples. Grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and let’s whip up a batch of these Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins that your whole family will reach for again and again.
Enjoy!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these cozy Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins:
Muffins:
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup + 1 Tbsp milk
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup quick oats
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup finely diced, peeled apple (such as Honeycrisp)
Topping:
- 2 Tbsp oats
- 1 Tbsp packed brown sugar
- Pinch of cinnamon
How to Make
These muffins come together quickly in a single bowl — perfect for a cozy winter breakfast or snack. Follow these simple steps for tender, flavorful muffins every time:
- Start with wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, canola oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, sugar, oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix, or your muffins could turn out dense.
- Fold in add-ins: Gently fold in the diced apples, or any optional mix-ins like raisins, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the muffins before baking.
- Bake and enjoy: Scoop the batter into a prepared muffin tin, top with the oat mixture, and bake until golden brown. Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Substitutions & Variations
- Milk: Swap for any plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) or dairy milk — results stay tender and moist.
- Oil: Replace canola oil with melted butter or coconut oil for richer flavor.
- Sweetener: Use coconut sugar, maple sugar, or a touch of honey (reduce other liquids slightly) if desired.
- Flour: Try whole wheat pastry flour or a 50/50 blend for slightly heartier muffins.
- Spices: Add more cinnamon or nutmeg to taste, or experiment with allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Add-ins: Raisins, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips can be folded in with the apples for variation.
- Fruit: Swap apples for pears or grated zucchini for a subtle veggie boost.
Kitchen Tips & Notes
- Do not overmix: Mix dry and wet ingredients until just combined — overmixing develops gluten and creates dense muffins.
- Prep apples carefully: Finely dice and peel apples for even distribution; larger chunks may sink or bake unevenly.
- Topping tip: Press oat and brown sugar topping lightly onto batter — this helps it stay in place and create a lightly crunchy top.
- Portioning: Use an ice cream scoop for uniform muffins that bake evenly.
- Storage: Muffins keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Serving suggestion: Enjoy warm with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey for a cozy breakfast treat.
Cozy, tender, and perfectly spiced, these Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins are the ultimate winter breakfast or afternoon snack. They’re quick to whip up, full of wholesome flavor, and a treat the whole family will reach for again and again.
If you loved these muffins, you’ll also enjoy my Banana Oat Muffins with Cranberries & Walnuts — another soft, flavorful breakfast favorite that’s just as easy to make and perfect for starting the day on a sweet note.
Before You Start
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! Mix dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before baking. Muffins keep 2–3 days in an airtight container or can be frozen.
Can I substitute the milk or oil?
Absolutely — any dairy or plant-based milk works. Canola oil can be swapped for melted butter or coconut oil for richer flavor.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes — raisins, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips pair beautifully with the apples.
Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make muffins dense instead of tender and fluffy.
No comments:
Post a Comment