French Breakfast Puffs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines simple pantry ingredients into a light and airy puff that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. The subtle nutmeg adds a gentle spice, while the cinnamon sugar topping creates a beautifully caramelized crust. They are easy to prepare, baked in a batch, and offer a sophisticated French-inspired flavor without any complicated techniques.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• ⅔ cup butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup milk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the topping:

• ⅓ cup melted butter
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg (if using).
3. In a large bowl, cream the room temperature butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time until well incorporated.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir just until combined; do not overmix.
7. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling about 2/3 full.
8. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Brush each muffin generously with the butter mixture.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
10. Allow the puffs to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Makes approximately 12 muffins.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes

Variations

• Add fruit: Stir in ½ cup of blueberries or chopped apples into the batter for a fruity twist.
• Nut topping: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar topping for extra texture.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled puffs for added sweetness.
• Spice blend: Swap nutmeg for pumpkin pie spice or add cardamom for a different flavor profile.
• Whole wheat: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.

Storage/Reheating

Store the breakfast puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch with slightly different results.

What if I don’t have nutmeg?

Nutmeg is optional and can be omitted or replaced with a pinch of cinnamon or allspice.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based milk alternative to make it dairy-free.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?

You can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but it may alter the texture and taste.

How do I prevent the topping from burning?

Brush the topping on just before baking and keep an eye on the muffins towards the end of baking.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes, the batter can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best way to store leftover puffs?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.

Are these puffs gluten-free?

No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, but a gluten-free flour blend could be substituted with adjustments.

How can I make the puffs fluffier?

Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature and avoid overmixing the batter.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in multiple muffin tins.

Conclusion

French Breakfast Puffs are a delightful addition to your morning routine, combining soft, tender texture with a sweet and crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Easy to prepare and versatile for variations, they bring a touch of French-inspired elegance to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or sharing with friends, these puffs are sure to become a favorite.

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