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

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

Prepare the Muffin Batter

• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves.
• Add in 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Whisk to mix well. Using a spoon, make a well in the center of the mixture.
• Add in 1 cup applesauce, 1/2 cup butter (melted), 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Using a rubber spatula, mix to incorporate, but be careful not to overmix.
• Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.
• 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 1/3 cup butter in a small bowl in the microwave, for 20-30 seconds.
• In another small bowl, combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
• Dip muffin tops in butter and then the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set on wire rack to cool. Makes 1 dozen.