French Breakfast Puffs

If you’re looking for a delightful breakfast treat or a sweet snack, these French Breakfast Puffs are a must-try! With a soft, fluffy texture and a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. These puffs are easy to make and are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Let’s dive into the recipe to see how to whip up these irresistible treats!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Flour
• 3 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoons Ground Nutmeg
• 1 cup Sugar
• ⅔ cups Shortening (Crisco)
• 2 whole Eggs
• 1 cup Milk
• 1-½ cup Sugar
• 3 teaspoons Cinnamon
• 2 sticks Butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease 12 muffin cups to prepare for baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Set this aside.

3. Cream the Shortening and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of sugar and shortening until smooth and fluffy. Then, add the eggs and mix again until fully combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Continue this process until the batter is smooth and well-blended.

5. Fill and Bake: Fill each prepared muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, melt the two sticks of butter. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon.

7. Coat the Muffins: After the muffins are baked, let them cool slightly. Then, dip each one in the melted butter, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. Immediately roll the muffin in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet, crunchy coating.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Warm and Fresh: These French Breakfast Puffs are best served warm right after baking when the butter and cinnamon-sugar coating is still fresh and slightly crispy. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
• Toppings: For an extra indulgent twist, you can drizzle the puffs with caramel sauce or serve with a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a delightful addition to a weekend breakfast spread alongside fresh fruit or yogurt.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their freshness, ensure they’re cooled completely before storing.
• Freezing: These puffs freeze well! Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or oven to bring back their soft, warm texture.
• Reheating: If you want to enjoy the puffs warm again, lightly reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 5-7 minutes to refresh the cinnamon-sugar coating.

Variations:

1. Cinnamon Swirl Filling: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl inside the puffs. After filling the muffin cups halfway with batter, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, then cover with more batter before baking.
2. Apple Cinnamon Puffs: Add small chunks of apple to the batter for a fruity twist. The apple adds moisture and a delicious flavor combination with the cinnamon-sugar topping.
3. Pumpkin Spice Puffs: Replace the nutmeg with pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired version. You can also substitute a portion of the shortening with pumpkin puree for an extra pumpkin flavor.
4. Blueberry Breakfast Puffs: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter to give these puffs a fruity pop. The sweetness of the blueberries pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar coating.
5. Chocolate Chip Puffs: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter for a touch of chocolate. The chocolate will melt inside the warm puffs, adding a rich, indulgent layer of flavor.
6. Lemon Sugar Puffs: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter and replace the cinnamon-sugar coating with a lemon-sugar mixture for a zesty, citrusy treat.
7. Coconut Cinnamon Puffs: Substitute half of the flour with coconut flour and mix shredded coconut into the batter. Coat the puffs with a blend of sugar and cinnamon mixed with toasted coconut.
8. Gluten-Free Puffs: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe gluten-friendly. Make sure your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
9. Maple Glazed Puffs: Instead of the butter and cinnamon-sugar coating, dip the warm puffs in a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup for a rich, sweet finish.
10. Spiced Nutmeg and Cardamom Puffs: Enhance the spice profile by adding ½ teaspoon of cardamom to the batter. It provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the nutmeg perfectly.

FAQs:

1. Can I make French Breakfast Puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to freshen them up.

2. Can I freeze French Breakfast Puffs?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, freeze the puffs without the cinnamon-sugar coating. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat, then dip them in melted butter and the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

3. Can I substitute butter for shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening. However, using shortening gives the puffs a lighter, fluffier texture, while butter will add a richer flavor and a slightly denser texture.

4. Can I use a muffin liner instead of greasing the pan?
Yes, you can use muffin liners, but note that dipping them in butter and cinnamon-sugar may be trickier with liners. Greasing the muffin cups directly makes for easier dipping.

5. Can I make these puffs gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free, such as baking powder.

6. Can I add fruits or nuts to the batter?
Definitely! You can fold in fruits like blueberries, diced apples, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. Just be sure not to overfill the muffin cups.

7. How do I store leftover French Breakfast Puffs?
Store leftover puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness, but warm them before serving for the best experience.

8. What if I don’t have nutmeg on hand?
If you don’t have nutmeg, you can substitute it with cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a slightly different flavor. Nutmeg adds a warm, spicy note, but cinnamon works well as a replacement.

9. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser texture. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balance of flavor and texture.

10. Can I make a glaze instead of using the cinnamon-sugar coating?
Yes, you can make a glaze with powdered sugar and milk or maple syrup. Simply dip the warm puffs into the glaze for a sweeter, more decadent coating instead of the traditional cinnamon-sugar.