Apple Muffins

It’s been so cold lately, it’s great to have an excuse to turn on the oven and bake something. These muffins have chunks of apples are topped with brown sugar, perfect with coffee in the morning!

• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar – divided
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

1. Preheat oven to 450º, line a muffin pan with 18 papers.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of the light brown sugar. Mix in the egg and the buttermilk (or yogurt). Add the flour mixture until just combined, and fold in the chopped apples.
4. Divide the batter between the muffin papers, sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar on top. Bake for 10 minutes, turn the oven temperature down to 400º and bake 5 to 10 minutes more. Test with a toothpick. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.