Apple Cinnamon Butterscotch Muffins

I was in the baking mood one evening - and I could not stop thinking about these muffins once I saw them on Annie's Eats.  I realized I had all of the ingredients on-hand except for the dried apples for on top - so I just decided to slice an apple really thin with a mandolin and it worked out great.   My husband brought these to a group he was working with the next morning - and they were a huge hit!  I can't wait to make them again - they are the perfect mid-morning snack on a chilly day (but hopefully the chilly days will end soon!!)!

Ingredients

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• 8 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2/3 cup applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• ¾ cup butterscotch chips
• ¾ cup chopped apples
• 1/3 cup toasted pecans, chopped 

For topping (optional):

• Dried apple slices (or thinly sliced apples) 
• Cinnamon-sugar

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Spray 2 muffins pans lightly with cooking spray (total of 18-20 muffins) Set aside.  [I used paper liners - but I found the muffins stuck to the paper - so next time I will just cook these directly in the pan]
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix lightly with a fork to blend. Stir in the oats. 

3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and smooth, 1-2 minutes. 

4. Beat in the applesauce, eggs and vanilla extract until incorporated. 

5. With the mixer on low speed, mix in the dry ingredients in three additions alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and beating just until incorporated. 

6. Fold in the butterscotch chips, apples, and toasted pecans with a rubber spatula. 

7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups. 

8. If desired, press an apple slice into the top of the batter in each cup. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar. 

9. Bake about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Source: Annie's Eats, originally from  Sugar Plum

 

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