Apple Cinnamon Muffins

It's Muffin Monday again! This week's theme will be apples, because, lately, my three favorite foods are apples, anything with cinnamon and... muffins. Annnd because fall is almost over and I'm not exactly mentally prepared for winter.

These muffins are light with a hint of cinnamon and bits of apple in each bite, with a drizzle of cinnamon glaze over the top. They're the kind of muffins that are comforting and give you the "warm fuzzies". Cozy fall flavors in one little perfect muffin? Yes please.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Author: Herbivore Haven, Adapted from Add a Pinch
Makes: 18 Muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

For the apples:

• 2 cups diced apples (about 2 small apples, I used Red Delicious)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons flour

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray or line each muffin cup with muffin papers.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon; set aside.
3. In a small bowl, toss together the diced apples, 2 teaspoons of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to coat apples; set aside.
4. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and room temperature butter until lightened in color, about 3 minutes. Add an egg, fully incorporating it into the mixture before adding the other. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Fold in the flour mixture, and then the milk. Stir until just combined. Fold in diced apples and scoop mixture into prepared muffin tins, filling about 3/4 full.
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
7. In the meantime, make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well until there are no clumps. Add milk for a thinner consistency. Add powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.
8. Remove the muffins from the oven and allow to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. Remove the muffins and transfer to a cooling rack. Drizzle the glaze on each muffin and enjoy!