# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
07 - 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
08 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
09 - 2 tablespoons bourbon
10 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
→ Add-Ins
11 - 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
12 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ For Glaze
13 - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
14 - 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
15 - Pinch of sea salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with muffin papers.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine sea salt, and sugar until thoroughly combined.
03 - Add the cold cubed butter to the dry mixture and blend using a pastry blender or fingers until a coarse crumb forms.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, beaten egg, bourbon, and maple syrup until smooth.
05 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
06 - Gently fold in the diced apple and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly incorporated.
07 - Using a cookie scoop or spoon, divide the batter equally among the prepared muffin cups. Insert a wooden lollipop stick halfway into the center of each muffin.
08 - Bake in preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
09 - While baking, mix maple syrup, optional bourbon, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl for the glaze.
10 - Allow muffins to cool slightly, then drizzle or brush with glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.
