Mini French Breakfast Puffs Recipe

Introduction

Mini French Breakfast Puffs are delightful bite-sized treats perfect for breakfast or brunch. Soft and fluffy with a hint of cinnamon sugar, they’re easy to make and sure to impress your family and guests.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/3 cup vegetable shortening (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, for dipping after baking)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Adjust the oven rack to the second level (just above center) and preheat the oven to 350ºF. Generously spray a 24-cavity mini muffin pan with a flour-based baking spray.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to make the cinnamon sugar mix. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside.
4. Step 4: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the vegetable shortening and 1/2 cup sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until well combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
5. Step 5: Reduce mixer speed to low, then alternately add the milk and the dry mixture. Mix just until combined; the batter will be thick but scoopable.
6. Step 6: Use a medium cookie scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the mini muffin cavities.
7. Step 7: Bake for 13-15 minutes at 350ºF until the tops are lightly golden brown.
8. Step 8: Immediately after baking, dip or roll the breakfast puffs in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with buttermilk.
• Use a non-stick or silicone mini muffin pan for easier removal.
• Try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture.
• If you prefer, brush the melted butter on instead of dipping to avoid sogginess.
• Serve with fresh fruit or jam for a complete breakfast.

Storage

Store leftover mini French breakfast puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to one month. Reheat in a warm oven or microwave briefly, then dip in melted butter again before serving for best taste.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of vegetable shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for vegetable shortening, but the texture may be slightly different, with a richer flavor and a softer crumb.

Do I have to dip the puffs in butter?

While dipping in melted butter adds delicious richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick, you can skip this step if you prefer a lighter treat.

Mini French Breakfast Puffs Recipe

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4.6 from 98 reviews

Mini French Breakfast Puffs are delightful bite-sized muffins with a fluffy texture and a warm cinnamon sugar coating. These puffs are dipped in melted butter immediately after baking, giving them a rich, buttery flavor and a tender crust with a hint of sweetness and spice, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 mini breakfast puffs 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Cinnamon (divided)
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (divided)
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 1/3 cup Vegetable Shortening (room temperature)
• 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted – for dipping after baking)

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Adjust the oven rack to the second level position just above center, and preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Generously spray a 24-cavity mini muffin pan with a flour-based baking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make Cinnamon Sugar Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for coating the puffs later.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until evenly mixed. Set aside.
4. Cream Shortening and Sugar: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the vegetable shortening and remaining granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the egg and continue mixing until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
5. Incorporate Milk and Dry Mix: Reduce mixer speed to low. Alternately add the milk and the dry ingredient mixture to the shortening mixture, mixing just until combined. The batter will be thick but scoopable, which is essential to achieve the right texture.
6. Fill Muffin Cavities: Using a medium-sized cookie scoop, evenly distribute the batter into the prepared mini muffin pan cavities, filling each one adequately but not overflowing.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until the mini puffs are a light golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Butter Dip and Cinnamon Sugar Roll: Immediately after removing the puffs from the oven, dip each one in the melted unsalted butter. Then, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This step is crucial for the tender crust and signature flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the egg and vegetable shortening are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
• Do not add the melted butter to the batter; it is for dipping after baking only to keep the texture light and fluffy.
• You can store baked puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat slightly before serving.
• The mini muffin size makes these perfect for bite-sized breakfast treats or snacks.
• Use a flour-based baking spray to prevent sticking without altering flavor.

Keywords: mini muffins, breakfast puffs, cinnamon sugar, French breakfast, bite-sized pastries, easy breakfast recipe