Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, applesauce, oil (or melted butter), brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. This will create a smooth, uniform mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy. If you’re using walnuts or raisins, fold them in now.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. This will give the muffins room to rise without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.