Ah, my dear friend, let me share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes—Mini French Breakfast Puffs! Every time I take a bite, I’m transported back to those cozy Parisian cafés, where the smell of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, mingling with the aroma of rich coffee. These little wonders are not just delicious; they’re a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. Perfect for those lazy weekend brunches or even a delightful weekday pick-me-up, they are sure to make your mornings brighter.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Now, why should you make these delightful puffs today? For starters, they are incredibly easy to whip up, and you probably have most of the ingredients already. Imagine golden-brown bites, crunchy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside, rolled in cinnamon sugar right before serving. It’s the kind of treat that turns an ordinary morning into a special occasion. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself (no judgment here!).
What makes this recipe especially lovely is the combination of warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg—and the rich texture from the butter and shortening. They blend harmoniously, creating a sweet nostalgia that will have you singing "Oh là là!" before you even finish your first puff. You’ll not only savor the flavors; you’ll feel a bit of that French charm in your own kitchen.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s dive into the ingredients, shall we? You’ll need the following:
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1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: This will be used twice—once for the batter, and of course, for that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating.
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1 tsp Cinnamon: You’ll mix this into your sugar, giving it a warm depth that’s simply spectacular.
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1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The base of our puffs. It provides the structure needed to cradle all those delicious flavors.
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1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder: The secret that makes these puffs light and airy. You want them to rise perfectly!
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1/2 tsp Salt: A little pinch goes a long way in enhancing all the yummy flavors.
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1/4 tsp Nutmeg: A dash of nutmeg elevates the profile with a slightly sweet, fragrant note—think of it as the cherry on top!
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1/3 cup Vegetable Shortening (room temperature): This ensures a soft texture. If you prefer, feel free to substitute it with unsalted butter.
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1 Large Egg (room temperature): This binds everything together like a warm hug.
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1/2 cup Milk: Adding moisture and richness to each bite.
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1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted, for dipping): Use this after baking—not in the batter! It’s meant for that crunchy, buttery finish that brings everything together.
How this recipe comes together
Are you ready to be the proud creator of Mini French Breakfast Puffs? Let’s make magic happen, step by step:
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Preheat Your Oven: Adjust your rack to the 2nd level position (just above center) and get that oven toasty at 350ºF.
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Prepare Your Muffin Pan: Generously spray a 24-cavity mini muffin pan with a flour-based baking spray. Trust me; it ensures those little puffs slip out flawlessly.
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Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set it aside; this will be the glitter on top.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set this dusty mixture aside too.
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Cream the Shortening and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature vegetable shortening and 1/2 cup sugar together on medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy. The airiness here is crucial, my friend!
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Incorporate the Egg: Add in the large egg and mix until just blended. You might need to scrape down the sides to make sure everything’s cozy and combined.
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Mix It All Together: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Alternate adding the milk and the dry mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want to preserve all that fluffiness.
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Fill the Muffin Cavities: Using a medium-size cookie scoop, evenly portion the batter into your mini muffin pan.
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Bake to Perfection: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 13-15 minutes or until they’re a light golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
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Butter and Roll: Once they come out, immediately dip each puffy muffin in the melted butter, then roll it in that delightful cinnamon sugar mix.
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Serve Warm: And voila! Your mini breakfast dreams await.
Best way to enjoy it
Wondering how to savor these lovely puffs? Serve them warm, right from the oven—there’s really nothing like the aroma wafting through your home. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea; they make the perfect breakfast or a lovely mid-morning indulge. If you want to elevate the experience, try serving them with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a side of fresh berries. Just a touch of sweetness or tartness can enhance that buttery crunch.
How to store and freeze
If you happen to have any leftovers (I doubt it, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate them, but remember, the puffs might lose some of that delightful texture. To enjoy them later, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat them in the oven for a fresher finish.
If you really want to plan ahead, you can freeze them! Just make sure they are completely cool before putting them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for about a month. Whenever you’re ready for a quick breakfast treat, simply defrost and warm them up.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few insider tips to ensure your Mini French Breakfast Puffs come out perfect every time:
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Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your egg and butter are at room temperature. It makes for a smoother batter and better rise.
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Don’t skip the butter dip: This isn’t just for flavor; it creates that irresistible crunch we love.
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Experiment with spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dash of cardamom or ginger to the batter for a different flavor twist.
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Batch-making: Consider doubling the recipe—trust me, you and your friends will devour them.
Creative Twists
Feeling creative? Here are a few variations to give your breakfast puffs a fun spin:
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Fruit Infusion: Fold in some mini chocolate chips or fresh blueberries into the batter before scooping into the tin.
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Glaze it: Drizzle a light icing made of powdered sugar and milk on top for an extra sweet touch.
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Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped nuts into the batter for texture and added richness.
You could even switch the spices around for seasonal twists—pumpkin spice for autumn or a peppermint twist during the holidays. The sky’s the limit!
Your questions answered
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How long does it take to prep these? About 20 minutes of prep time should be enough.
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Can I use whole wheat flour? Sure, but the texture will be a bit denser. Keep an eye on the baking time!
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What’s the best way to enjoy these? Fresh and warm, as I mentioned! They’re also delightful at room temperature.
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Can I skip the butter dip? You could, but I wouldn’t. It’s what makes these puffs irresistible.
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How do I adjust the sweetness? Feel free to reduce the sugar slightly if you’re watching your intake, but be careful—the sweetness balances the spices beautifully!
Let me tell you, friend, these Mini French Breakfast Puffs aren’t just food—they’re moments, memories, and a dash of joy wrapped in a delightful package. So roll up your sleeves, channel your inner French chef, and dive into this lovely experience! Trust me, you won’t want to miss it. Happy baking!
Mini French Breakfast Puffs
Description
Delightful Mini French Breakfast Puffs that are golden-brown and rolled in cinnamon sugar, perfect for brunch or a lovely treat any time of the day.Ingredients for Mini French Breakfast Puffs
For the Puffs
Instructions
Baking the Puffs
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Preheat the Oven
Adjust your rack to the 2nd level and preheat to 350°F. -
Prepare Muffin Pan
Generously spray a 24-cavity mini muffin pan with a flour-based baking spray. -
Mix Cinnamon Sugar
In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon; set aside. -
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg; set aside. -
Cream Shortening and Sugar
Beat shortening and 1/2 cup sugar together until light and fluffy. -
Incorporate Egg
Mix in the large egg until just blended. -
Mix Batter
Alternately add milk and dry mixture until just combined; don’t overmix. -
Fill Muffin Cavities
Use a cookie scoop to portion the batter into the mini muffin pan. -
Bake
Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. -
Butter and Roll
Dip each muffin in melted butter and then roll in cinnamon sugar mix. -
Serve Warm
Enjoy your mini breakfast puffs warm from the oven.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 4.5g23%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 100mg5%
- Potassium 100mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 1g2%
- Vitamin A 200 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 0 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 50 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 0 mg
- Zinc 0 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
