Cinnamon Spice Applesauce Muffins

And while I have the directions for dipping the muffins in a buttery, cinnamon-sugar topping, they are also quite delicious plain. I like to make some both ways (for myself and my hubby, who likes the additional sweetness).

My original recipe called for room temperature butter creamed with sugar with an electric mixer. But I wanted to make it easier and changed the directions so that you can mix these by hand in one bowl. Perfect when baking with kids. Plus, I like them better this way!

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Ingredients for Cinnamon Spice Applesauce Muffins

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Preheat oven to 375°F. Gather all your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.

Prepare the Muffin Pan for Baking

If desired, you may opt to use paper-lined muffin cups. If not, spray muffin pan with baking spray.

I’ve made these muffins both ways. Paper liners are nice if you are serving the muffins for a large group, but I prefer making them without the liners, especially if I’m going to be dipping them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. 

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, allspice, and ground cloves. Add in the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk to mix well. Using a spoon, make a well in the center of the mixture.

Add in the applesauce, melted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract. Using a rubber spatula, mix to incorporate, but be careful not to overmix.

Overmixed muffin batter may result in what is known as conehead muffin tops, something I was warned about at my 4-H cooking meetings.

Fill lined or unlined muffin cups 3/4 full.

Although not necessary, I like to use a muffin scoop to fill the muffin cups. This helps to make uniform-sized muffins. A 2 or 3 ounce scoop works well. 

Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-7 minutes before placing muffins on a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

If desired, you may top the muffins with a cinnamon-sugar topping. To make this, melt butter in a small bowl in the microwave, for 20-30 seconds.

In another small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Dip muffin tops in the butter and then the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set on wire rack to cool.

This recipe makes 1 dozen muffins. Serve your family or guests these muffins with butter, honey, or even apple butter for a yummy brunch, or morning snack.

These muffins are so moist, and they stay that way thanks to the applesauce in them. Muffins may be stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid at room temperature for several days.

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