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Are you ready to wake up to a sweet delight? These Cinnamon Sugar French Breakfast Puffs are the perfect morning treat. With a soft, fluffy texture coated in crunchy cinnamon sugar, they’ll make your taste buds dance. Follow my easy step-by-step guide to create this delicious breakfast masterpiece. Let’s turn your kitchen into a bakery and impress everyone with this tasty delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Sharing: These puffs are bite-sized and great for gatherings, making them a hit at brunches or family get-togethers.
- Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts to suit your taste!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
To make Cinnamon Sugar French Breakfast Puffs, you need simple ingredients. Each one plays an important role.
All-purpose flour gives the puffs their structure. Without it, the puffs would be flat.
Baking powder helps them rise, making them light and fluffy.
Salt balances the sweet flavors. It makes the taste richer.
Nutmeg adds a warm, spicy note. Just a little gives a nice depth.
Cinnamon brings a sweet aroma and flavor. It pairs well with sugar.
Granulated sugar is the sweet base for the batter. It adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Unsalted butter keeps the puffs moist and rich. Melt it for easy mixing.
Milk adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients.
Egg provides structure and richness to the puffs. It helps them hold their shape.
Vanilla extract adds a warm and sweet flavor. It enhances all the other tastes.
Powdered sugar is for dusting. It makes the puffs look pretty and sweet.
Each ingredient is easy to find. You likely have many at home. When you mix them, you create magic. Enjoy the process!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or a standard muffin pan. This step is key for easy removal later.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Make sure to mix well. This helps to blend the flavors and ensures even baking.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk these wet ingredients until smooth:
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk until the mixture is homogenous. This creates a rich and creamy base for your puffs.
Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay! This keeps your puffs light and fluffy.
Filling Muffin Pan and Baking
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean when they are ready.
Preparing Cinnamon Sugar and Coating
While the puffs bake, mix together in a small bowl:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
Once the puffs cool for about 5 minutes, brush them with melted butter. Then roll them in the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated. This gives them a sweet, crunchy outer layer.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
To get fluffy puffs, start with fresh ingredients. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Whisk your dry ingredients well. This helps to mix the baking powder evenly. When you mix wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing can make your puffs tough. Aim for a few lumps in the batter; this keeps them light and airy.
Serving Suggestions
These puffs pair well with coffee or tea. You can also serve them with fresh fruit or yogurt. A drizzle of honey adds a nice touch. If you want something richer, try whipped cream. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not skip the greasing step on your muffin pan. Sticking can ruin your puffs. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This ensures even cooking. Avoid leaving the puffs in the oven too long; check them around 12 minutes. Lastly, don’t rush the cooling process. Let them cool slightly before coating in cinnamon sugar.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your cinnamon and nutmeg are fresh for the best flavor. Ground spices lose potency over time, so check the expiration dates.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough puffs rather than light and fluffy ones.
- Temperature Matters: Allow the puffs to cool slightly before rolling in cinnamon sugar. This helps the sugar stick better and enhances the overall flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite extracts or citrus zest to the batter for a unique twist. Almond extract or lemon zest can elevate the taste!

Variations
Flavor Add-ins
You can easily switch up the flavors in these puffs. Here are some fun ideas:
– Cocoa Powder: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
– Lemon Zest: Grate in some lemon zest for a fresh, zesty kick.
– Almond Extract: Replace vanilla with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
– Fruit: Fold in blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples into the batter.
Each add-in gives a new taste. Feel free to mix and match!
Healthier Alternatives
Want to make these puffs a bit healthier? Here are some tips:
– Lower Sugar: Cut the granulated sugar by half. Use a sugar substitute if desired.
– Gluten-Free Flour: Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Check the package for the right amount.
– Unsweetened Applesauce: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. This keeps them moist and cuts fat.
These changes still keep the puffs tasty but make them a bit better for you.
Serving Styles
Presentation can make a big difference. Here are some creative serving ideas:
– Mini Skewers: Thread puffs onto skewers for a fun, bite-sized treat.
– Dipping Sauces: Serve with chocolate, caramel, or fruit sauces for dipping.
– Breakfast Bar: Set up a breakfast bar with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or yogurt.
These styles not only look great but also add fun to your meal!
Storage Info
Best Storage Methods
To keep your Cinnamon Sugar French Breakfast Puffs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool completely first. This helps avoid moisture which can make them soggy. If you want them to stay soft, line the container with a paper towel.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze these puffs for later enjoyment. First, cool them completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until they are solid. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to eat them, just reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Shelf Life
These puffs stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days. If stored properly in the fridge, they can last up to a week. In the freezer, they can last for about 2 months. Just remember, the sooner you eat them, the better they taste!
FAQs
Can I make these puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these puffs ahead of time. Make the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This way, you can bake them fresh in the morning. If you bake them ahead, let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the puffs. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
How do I know when they are done baking?
You can tell the puffs are done when they turn a light golden color. Insert a toothpick into the center of a puff; it should come out clean. If it has wet batter on it, bake them a bit longer. Usually, they take about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes. This ensures they do not overbake and become dry.
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you need to replace eggs, there are several great options. You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. This helps keep the puffs moist. Another option is to use a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. You can also use yogurt, buttermilk, or silken tofu as egg substitutes. Each option adds moisture and a bit of flavor to the puffs.
This blog post covered the key steps for making delicious puffs. We went over every ingredient and explained how to mix, bake, and coat them. I shared tips to ensure perfect texture and common mistakes to avoid. You can also explore fun variations and storage methods to keep your puffs fresh.
Enjoy creating your puffs and impressing others with your skills in the kitchen. Happy bakin
Cinnamon Sugar French Breakfast Puffs
Delicious mini muffins coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 2 salt
- 1 4 nutmeg
- 1 4 cinnamon
- 1 2 granulated sugar
- 1 4 unsalted butter, melted
- 1 2 milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 4 powdered sugar (for dusting)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan or a standard muffin pan.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon until combined.
In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay!
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the puffs are baking, mix together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
Once the puffs are out of the oven and slightly cooled (about 5 minutes), brush them with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Allow the coated puffs to cool for a few more minutes, then dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy these delightful puffs warm, paired with your favorite morning beverage.
Serve warm for the best flavor.
Keyword breakfast, cinnamon, muffins
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