Ah, the blissful aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air on a crisp morning – there’s nothing quite like it to jolt you awake. These Easy French Breakfast Muffins, a delightful blend of simplicity and elegance, promise to do just that. With notes of cinnamon flirting with your senses, they’re like a cozy hug in pastry form, perfect for those days when the world outside feels a tad too overwhelming.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin by either greasing it or lining it with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg together. In a separate bowl, cream the sugar with the shortening until smooth, then add the egg and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix thoroughly. Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin tin.
- Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. While they are baking, combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and the muffin tin. Dip the tops of the warm muffins first in the melted margarine, then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ½ cup of granulated sugar
- ? cup of shortening
- 1 egg
- ½ cup of milk
- ½ cup of granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons of melted margarine
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 2772 | Total Fat: 144g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 192mg | Sodium: 2568mg | Total Carbohydrate: 360g | Dietary Fiber: 12g | Total Sugars: 204g | Protein: 36g | Calcium: 552mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 504mg
FAQ
- Can I use butter instead of shortening in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
- Is there a substitute for margarine when coating the muffin tops?
- You can use melted butter instead of margarine for coating the muffin tops. It will provide a rich flavor and work just as well to help the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
- While these muffins are best served warm, you can bake them in advance. Store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving for best results.
- What can I use if I don’t have nutmeg?
- If you don’t have nutmeg, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cinnamon or allspice for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
- How can I make these muffins healthier?
- To make these muffins a bit healthier, you can try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and reduce the amount of sugar by half. Keep in mind that these changes might alter the taste and texture slightly.
Tips
- When creaming together the sugar and shortening, ensure they are well combined for a smoother texture in the muffins. This will help achieve a more even crumb in your final product.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients before mixing them with the dry ingredients.
- To prevent the muffins from sticking, make sure your muffin cups are well-greased or use paper liners. This will make it easier to remove the muffins from the pan without damaging them.
- Dip the muffins in the margarine and sugar-cinnamon mixture while they are still warm to ensure the topping adheres well and creates a delicious, flavorful crust.
Equipment
- Muffin pan (12-cup)
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
