Banana Muffins

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking equipment
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix the wet ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract, then stir until well incorporated.
3. Combine the dry ingredients
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Make sure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Create the batter
   Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix or the muffins will become dense. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
5. Fill the muffin cups
   Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with batter. If desired, sprinkle a little brown sugar on top of each muffin for a sweet, slightly crunchy topping.
6. Bake the muffins
   Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
7. Cool and serve
   Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, or serve warm with a pat of butter if desired.