# Components:
→ Muffin Base
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 cup buttermilk
11 - 1 1/2 cups peeled, diced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
→ Caramel Layer
12 - 12 soft caramel candies, unwrapped or 1/3 cup caramel bits
→ Crunch Cookie Topping
13 - 3/4 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies or digestive biscuits
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
15 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
16 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
17 - Pinch salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed.
03 - Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Add half of the dry ingredients mixture to the butter-egg mixture and stir until nearly combined. Pour in buttermilk, followed by the remaining dry ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated to avoid overmixing.
05 - Gently fold diced tart apples into the batter with a spatula, distributing evenly.
06 - Divide batter evenly among all prepared muffin cups, filling each up to two-thirds full.
07 - Press one soft caramel candy or several caramel bits into the center of each batter-filled muffin cup.
08 - In a small bowl, mix crushed vanilla wafer cookies, melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until combined.
09 - Generously sprinkle the cookie topping over each muffin, covering the batter and caramel.
10 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean.
11 - Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly prior to serving.
