1-In a medium bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon to ensure even mixing.

2-In a separate bowl, combine 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, then toss 2 cups diced apples in this mixture to coat them and set aside for better texture and flavor distribution.

3-Cream ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until lightened, which takes about 3 minutes, to create a fluffy base.

4-Add 2 large eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, then mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for added depth.

5-Gently fold in the sifted flour mixture alternately with ½ cup milk until just combined, being careful not to overmix for tender muffins, then fold in the coated diced apples.

6-Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling them about 2/3 to 3/4 full for even rising.

7-Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While they bake, melt ½ cup butter and let it cool slightly; in another bowl, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar with ¼ cup ground cinnamon.

8-Once the muffins cool slightly, dip their tops into the melted butter, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture, and let them finish cooling on a rack.