# 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 unsalted butter, cold and cubed
07 - 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
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 sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
→ For Glaze
13 - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
14 - 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
15 - Pinch of sea salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine sea salt, and granulated sugar.
03 - Add cold unsalted butter to the dry mixture and blend using a pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, lightly beaten egg, bourbon, and pure maple syrup together until smooth.
05 - Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
06 - Fold in finely diced apple and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
07 - Divide batter evenly into muffin cups using a cookie scoop or spoon. Insert a wooden lollipop stick halfway into the center of each muffin.
08 - Place tin in the oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
09 - While baking, mix pure maple syrup, optional bourbon, and a pinch of sea salt for the glaze.
10 - Cool pops slightly in the tin, then drizzle or brush with the maple bourbon glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.
