How do I make the apple butter center?

Add a small spoonful of apple butter between layers of batter before baking to create a flavorful center.

Can I substitute apple butter?

Yes, pumpkin butter works well, offering a different seasonal taste while keeping the texture and sweetness intact.

Brush warm muffin bites with melted butter, then roll them in a cinnamon-sugar blend for the classic churro effect.

Store them airtight at room temperature for up to two days; enjoy fresh for soft, moist bites.

Yes, they use eggs and dairy but no meat products, fitting a vegetarian diet.

You’ll need a mini muffin tin, mixing bowls, a whisk, measuring tools, a pastry brush, and a wire rack.

Tender muffin bites swirled with apple butter and coated in cinnamon sugar, reminiscent of churros—perfect for breakfast or snacking.

I first made these muffin bites on a cozy autumn weekend and they quickly became a family favorite for lazy mornings and afternoon treats.

Preheat oven:: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
Mix dry ingredients:: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Mix wet ingredients:: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine batter:: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fill muffin cups:: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Add ½ teaspoon of apple butter to the center, then top with another scant tablespoon of batter to cover.
Bake:: Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until tops spring back when gently pressed and a toothpick comes out clean (avoid apple butter center when testing).
Cool:: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Coat:: While still slightly warm, brush each muffin bite with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Serve:: Serve warm or at room temperature.

My kids love helping with the churro coating, and we make these together for weekend brunch or holiday breakfasts.

24-cup mini muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, pastry brush, wire rack

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy. Check apple butter and packaged ingredients for potential allergens.

Per muffin bite: Calories 95, Total Fat 4 g, Carbohydrates 14 g, Protein 1 g

Enjoy these churro muffin bites with your favorite coffee or tea for a delightfully cozy treat!

→ How do I make the apple butter center?: Add a small spoonful of apple butter between layers of batter before baking to create a flavorful center.
→ Can I substitute apple butter?: Yes, pumpkin butter works well, offering a different seasonal taste while keeping the texture and sweetness intact.
→ How do I achieve a churro-like coating?: Brush warm muffin bites with melted butter, then roll them in a cinnamon-sugar blend for the classic churro effect.
→ Can I store these muffin bites for later?: Store them airtight at room temperature for up to two days; enjoy fresh for soft, moist bites.
→ Are these suitable for vegetarians?: Yes, they use eggs and dairy but no meat products, fitting a vegetarian diet.
→ Which tools are essential for preparation?: You’ll need a mini muffin tin, mixing bowls, a whisk, measuring tools, a pastry brush, and a wire rack.