English Muffins Recipe
English muffins recipe is a breakfast staple, offering a soft, slightly chewy texture with nooks and crannies perfect for holding butter, jam, or even a poached egg. While store-bought versions are readily available, there’s nothing quite like making them from scratch. This easy English muffin recipe ensures that you get the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making for a delightful morning treat.
A Brief History of English Muffins:
Despite their name, English muffins were actually popularized in America. They were created in the late 19th century by Samuel Bath Thomas, an English immigrant who moved to New York City. He named them “English muffins” to differentiate them from American muffins, which are more cake-like. English muffins are often split open, toasted, and topped with a variety of spreads, making them versatile for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.
English Muffins Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Fork (for splitting muffins)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk (around 110°F)
- ¼ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Cornmeal, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Whisk these dry ingredients together until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl or measuring cup, mix the warm milk, warm water, and melted butter. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Continue mixing until a sticky, soft dough forms.
- If kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Using a round cutter or the rim of a glass (about 3-4 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough. Reroll any scraps and repeat until you’ve used all the dough.
- Dust a baking sheet with cornmeal and place the dough rounds on it. Sprinkle the tops of the rounds with more cornmeal, then cover them with a kitchen towel. Allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully transfer the dough rounds to the skillet, cooking them in batches if necessary. Cook the muffins for about 7-8 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Make sure to cook them slowly to ensure the centers are fully done.
- Once the muffins are cooked, transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool slightly before splitting them open with a fork (this helps preserve the signature nooks and crannies). Toast the muffins if desired, and serve with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Video
Similar Recipes:
– Crumpets: A softer, spongier alternative to English muffins with deep holes perfect for absorbing butter.
– Scones: A popular British tea-time treat, usually slightly sweet and often served with jam and cream.
– Bagels: Another popular breakfast bread, boiled and baked for a chewy texture, perfect for toasting and spreading with cream cheese.
– Homemade Biscuits: Flaky, buttery, and tender biscuits are another great breakfast option, often paired with gravy or jam.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions About English Muffins Recipe:
1. Can I freeze English muffins?
Yes, once fully cooled, you can freeze English muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
2. Why do you use cornmeal?
Cornmeal prevents the dough from sticking to the baking sheet and adds a slight crunch to the muffin’s exterior.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, though the texture will be slightly denser.
4. Do I need to toast English muffins?
Toasting isn’t required, but it enhances the flavor and brings out the muffins’ signature texture.
5. Why use a fork to split English muffins?
A fork helps preserve the signature nooks and crannies inside the muffin, giving it a more rustic texture.
6. Can I cook English muffins in the oven?
Traditional English muffins are cooked on a griddle or skillet, but you can finish them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes if they are too soft inside.
7. How do I know when they’re done?
English muffins should be golden brown on the outside and should feel firm to the touch. The internal temperature should be around 200°F if using a thermometer.
8. What toppings can I put on English muffins?
Butter, jam, cream cheese, poached eggs, avocado, or honey are all delicious topping options.
9. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
Conclusion:
Making homemade English muffins is easier than it seems, and the result is well worth the effort. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create these golden, fluffy muffins that are perfect for breakfast sandwiches or as a side to your favorite meal. Plus, they freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
YouTube Video Credits:
Preppy Kitchen
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