French Breakfast Puffs are a delightful, old-fashioned treat with a tender, cake-like texture and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating. These muffins are simple to make yet incredibly delicious, making them a perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. With a crisp, sugary exterior and soft, fluffy interior, they are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic and Comforting – These puffs have a nostalgic taste, reminiscent of bakery-style cinnamon sugar donuts.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an effortless recipe for any baker.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for a special breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, these muffins fit any setting.
Customizable – Easily adjust the flavors or add fillings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
1/3 cup shortening (or unsalted butter, softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup whole milk
For the Coating:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a large bowl, beat the shortening (or butter) with the sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the Egg – Mix in the egg until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
Mix the Batter – Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
Bake – Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Coating – While the muffins bake, melt the butter in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Coat the Muffins – Once the muffins are baked and slightly cooled, dip each in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Serve – Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
Servings – Makes 12 muffins
Preparation Time – 15 minutes
Cooking Time – 20-25 minutes
Variations
Filled Puffs – Add a spoonful of fruit preserves or chocolate chips to the center of each muffin before baking.
Spiced Version – Increase the nutmeg or add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a bolder spice flavor.
Lemon-Sugar Coating – Replace cinnamon with finely grated lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Storage/Reheating
Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Freeze the muffins (before coating) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw, then coat before serving.
Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh the texture.
FAQs
What makes these different from regular muffins?
French Breakfast Puffs have a light, cake-like texture and are rolled in butter and cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, unsalted butter works perfectly and adds extra richness.
Do I have to use nutmeg?
Nutmeg enhances the flavor, but you can leave it out or substitute it with cinnamon if preferred.
How do I prevent my muffins from becoming dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter, which can make the muffins tough. Stir just until combined.
Can I make mini muffins?
Yes! Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 12-15 minutes.
What’s the best way to evenly coat the muffins?
Dip each muffin in butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still slightly warm for the best coverage.
Can I use a different type of sugar for the coating?
Brown sugar can be used for a deeper caramel-like flavor.
Can I add a glaze instead of rolling in sugar?
Yes! A simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled on top works beautifully.
Do these taste like donuts?
Yes, they have a similar flavor and texture to old-fashioned cake donuts.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the muffins immediately after mixing, but you can measure and mix the dry ingredients in advance.
Conclusion
French Breakfast Puffs are a simple yet indulgent treat with their soft, buttery texture and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Whether enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or as a delightful snack, these muffins are sure to bring warmth and comfort to any table. Try them today and experience a timeless favorite!
French Breakfast Puffs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These French Breakfast Puffs are light, fluffy, and coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. A delightful cross between a muffin and a cinnamon-sugar donut, they’re the perfect treat for breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1/3 cup shortening (or unsalted butter, softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
-
Mix the Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together the shortening (or butter) and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
-
Bake the Muffins:
- Fill the muffin cups about ⅔ full with batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool slightly in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing them.
-
Prepare the Coating:
- In one bowl, melt the butter.
- In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
-
Coat the Muffins:
- Roll each warm muffin in the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Then, roll the muffin in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly covered.
-
Serve and Enjoy!
- Enjoy warm for the best flavor, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For an extra fluffy texture, use room-temperature ingredients.
- These muffins taste best fresh but can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds.
- You can substitute nutmeg with cinnamon for a milder flavor.
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