Print

French Breakfast Puffs (Cinnamon & Sugar Muffins)

French breakfast puffs served with coffee and berries, with a muffin split open to show the crumb

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 4 reviews

Tender French breakfast puffs get a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating and a hint of nutmeg. These easy homemade muffins are perfect served warm for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Units Scale

FOR THE TOPPING:

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously butter the muffin cups, ensuring they are well-coated.

Prepare the dry ingredients:

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.

Mix the wet ingredients:

  1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing just until everything is well combined.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Fill the muffin cups:

  1. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  2. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Prepare the coating:

  1. While the muffins are baking, melt the butter in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.

Coat the muffins:

  1. As soon as the muffins are out of the oven, let them cool for just a minute or two before removing them from the pan.
  2. Dip each muffin in the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until generously coated.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy.

Equipment

Notes

  • Substitutions: Use an equal amount of unsalted butter if preferred, keeping the measured salt unchanged. Whole milk or 2% milk works well. Replace the nutmeg with ground cinnamon for a different spice profile.
  • Lighter coating: Brush the muffins with melted butter instead of dipping, then roll them in cinnamon sugar.
  • Serving suggestions: Pair with coffee, hot tea, fresh berries, or scrambled eggs. These also work well alongside a breakfast casserole.
  • Storage: Cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The coating will soften during storage.

••Freezing: For the best texture, freeze cooled, uncoated muffins in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes, then apply the butter and cinnamon sugar. Already-coated muffins can also be frozen, although the coating may become damp after thawing.

Nutrition