Imagine waking up to the most incredible aroma of freshly made English muffins, their golden-brown edges crisp and perfectly toasted, waiting to be slathered with creamy butter or sweet jam. This isn't just another breakfast recipe - it's a culinary journey that transforms an ordinary morning into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're planning a romantic breakfast in bed or looking to impress your family with bakery-quality skills, these homemade English muffins will elevate your breakfast game from mundane to magnificent!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- Butter for frying
- Jam or butter for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk (around 110°F), letting it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour well and mix with a wooden spoon until a soft, sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After rising, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter or glass (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out muffin rounds. Place the rounds on a cornmeal-dusted surface and let them rest for 20 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the muffins for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The low and slow cooking helps create the signature nooks and crannies.
- Transfer the cooked muffins to a wire rack to cool. Split them with a fork for the traditional English muffin texture.
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite breakfast toppings. For a classic breakfast in bed, pair with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is precisely warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast correctly without killing it.
- Patience is Key: Allow sufficient rising time for your dough to develop those signature nooks and crannies.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Use medium-low heat when cooking muffins to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior without burning.
- Cornmeal Trick: Dusting your surface with cornmeal adds authentic texture and prevents sticking.
- Fork-Split Technique: Always split your muffins with a fork, not a knife, to create those classic uneven surfaces perfect for holding butter and jam.
- Storage Hack: These muffins freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
