French Breakfast Muffins are a delightful way to start your day. These soft, tender muffins feature a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that makes them utterly irresistible. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, they are simple to make and enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. Their unique flavor and texture will elevate any morning routine or special occasion.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Muffins
- For the Topping
- How to Make French Breakfast Muffins
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Step 6: Bake
- Step 7: Prepare the Topping
- Step 8: Dip and Coat
- Step 9: Serve
- How to Serve French Breakfast Muffins
- Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Enjoy with Spreads
- Create a Breakfast Platter
- Serve with Coffee or Tea
- How to Perfect French Breakfast Muffins
- Best Side Dishes for French Breakfast Muffins
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing French Breakfast Muffins
- Reheating French Breakfast Muffins
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are French Breakfast Muffins?
- Can I customize my French Breakfast Muffins?
- How do I know when my muffins are done baking?
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires basic ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for beginner bakers.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar with a buttery finish creates a mouthwatering treat that everyone loves.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these muffins warm for breakfast, or pack them as a snack for school or work.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids can easily help in the kitchen, making this a fun bonding activity.
- Great for Meal Prep: Bake a batch on the weekend, and enjoy fresh muffins throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started with your French Breakfast Muffins, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Ensures evenly shaped muffins that rise perfectly.
- Mixing bowls: Allows you to mix ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: Helps combine wet ingredients smoothly for better batter consistency.
Ingredients
For the Muffins
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
For the Topping
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup butter, melted

How to Make French Breakfast Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl:
1. Combine the flour, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together the egg, milk, and ⅓ cup melted butter until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the well of the dry ingredients.
– Gently stir until just combined; it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling each about two-thirds full.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Topping
While muffins are baking:
1. Mix ¼ cup sugar with ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Melt another ⅓ cup butter in another small bowl.
Step 8: Dip and Coat
Once baked:
1. Let muffins cool for about 5 minutes in the pan.
2. Remove them from the pan.
3. Dip each muffin top in melted butter followed by coating in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 9: Serve
Serve warm for an unforgettable flavor experience!
How to Serve French Breakfast Muffins
French breakfast muffins are delicious served warm, making them a delightful addition to any breakfast table or as a snack throughout the day. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your muffin experience.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Seasonal Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a fresh and tangy contrast.
- Sliced Bananas: The sweetness of bananas complements the cinnamon-sugar topping beautifully.
Enjoy with Spreads
- Cream Cheese: A light layer of cream cheese adds a creamy texture that pairs well with muffins.
- Fruit Preserves: Strawberry or raspberry preserves can enhance the flavor and add sweetness.
Create a Breakfast Platter
- Yogurt: Serve alongside Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast option rich in protein.
- Granola: Add granola for some crunch and extra fiber on your plate.
Serve with Coffee or Tea
- Fresh Brewed Coffee: A hot cup of coffee enhances the flavors of the muffins.
- Herbal Tea: Complement your muffins with a soothing herbal tea for a relaxing treat.
How to Perfect French Breakfast Muffins
To make sure your French breakfast muffins turn out perfectly every time, keep these simple tips in mind.
- Bold Measurement Accuracy: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to ensure the right texture.
- Bold Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Bold Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated; an accurate temperature is key for even baking.
- Bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baking powder and spices for the best flavor.
- Bold Cool Before Coating: Let the muffins cool slightly before dipping in butter and sugar for better adherence.

Best Side Dishes for French Breakfast Muffins
These muffins pair wonderfully with various side dishes that can round out your breakfast spread. Consider these options to complement your meal.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides color and freshness on your plate.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein, making your breakfast more filling.
- Bacon or Sausage Links: Crispy bacon or savory sausage links offer a hearty balance to sweet muffins.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal can provide fiber and heartiness alongside muffins.
- Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with granola adds nutrition and color to your breakfast.
- Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese is rich in protein and pairs nicely with sweet muffins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making French Breakfast Muffins, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some key points to keep in mind.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
- Not measuring accurately: Use proper measuring tools for flour and sugar to maintain the right balance in your batter.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allow muffins to cool slightly in the pan. This helps set their structure before removing them.
- Forgetting to preheat the oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store muffins in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing French Breakfast Muffins
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating French Breakfast Muffins
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place muffins on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each muffin on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Cover and warm muffins for a few minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are French Breakfast Muffins?
French Breakfast Muffins are soft, tender muffins coated in cinnamon-sugar that make them a delightful breakfast treat or snack option.
Can I customize my French Breakfast Muffins?
Yes! You can add chocolate chips, fruits, or nuts to customize your muffins according to your taste preferences.
How do I know when my muffins are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition, but it may change the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
French Breakfast Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. Their soft texture and sweet topping make them perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings. Enjoy creating this tasty treat!
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French Breakfast Muffins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of French Breakfast Muffins—a perfect start to your day or a sweet snack anytime! These soft, fluffy muffins are generously coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, making them utterly irresistible. So simple to prepare, they require minimal ingredients and are ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned cooks.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup butter, melted (for batter)
- ¼ cup white sugar (for topping)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup butter, melted (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Fill each muffin cup two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, mix sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
- Dip warm muffins in melted butter then coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (45g)
- Calories: 158
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 96mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg