French Breakfast Puffs

Soft, buttery, and coated in a delicate cinnamon-sugar crust, these French Breakfast Puffs are a simple yet irresistible treat perfect for cozy mornings. Often described as a cross between a muffin and a donut, these puffs are tender inside with a sweet, spiced exterior. They’re easy to make, timelessly charming, and absolutely delicious with a warm cup of coffee or tea!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tender & Buttery – Light, fluffy texture with rich flavor.
Cinnamon-Sugar Coated – A sweet, cozy finish.
Quick & Easy – Simple pantry ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch – Elegant but easy.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays soft and delicious for days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Puffs:

• 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk (any kind)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional Add-ins:

• A pinch of cardamom in the batter for extra warmth
• A tiny sprinkle of powdered sugar after coating for extra sweetness

Tools You’ll Need

• Muffin pan
• Paper liners or non-stick spray
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a muffin pan or line with paper liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two parts, alternating with the milk.
Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.

Step 6: Bake
Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan.

Step 7: Coat the Puffs
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar for the coating.
Brush each warm puff generously with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.

Step 8: Serve
Serve warm for the ultimate soft, cozy breakfast treat!

Tips for Success
Use Fresh Nutmeg – Grate it fresh for the best warm flavor.
Coat While Warm – Helps the butter absorb and the sugar stick beautifully.
Don’t Overbake – Bake just until a toothpick comes out clean for tender puffs.
Customize – Add a pinch of cardamom or swap vanilla for almond extract for a twist.
Enjoy Fresh – Best enjoyed warm the same day.

Serving Suggestions
With Coffee or Tea – A classic pairing.
As a Brunch Treat – Add to a brunch spread with fruit and yogurt.
For a Sweet Snack – A cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
With Whipped Cream – For an extra-indulgent finish.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store cooled puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Freeze uncoated puffs for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat in cinnamon sugar before serving.

Reheating:
Oven: Warm at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Microwave: Heat for 10–15 seconds to re-soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes! These puffs freeze well, so doubling is a great idea.
2. Can I use other spices?
   Absolutely. Try adding a pinch of allspice, cardamom, or ginger.
3. Can I make these dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
4. What if I don’t have nutmeg?
   You can use cinnamon instead, but nutmeg gives the classic flavor.
5. Do I have to coat them in cinnamon-sugar?
   No, but the coating makes them extra special and delicious.

Final Thoughts
These French Breakfast Puffs are an old-fashioned delight that never goes out of style. Soft, buttery, and wrapped in a cozy cinnamon-sugar hug, they’re perfect for making any morning feel a little more special. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen.

Whip up a batch today and savor every sweet, tender bite! Don’t forget to share your breakfast puff creations online!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American / Classic Breakfast

Nutritional Information (Per Puff – makes 12):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 11g | Sodium: 140mg

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