English Muffin Recipe​ (with Video)

English Muffin Recipe​: English muffins are a breakfast classic that everyone loves. Light, airy, and delicious, they’re perfect for everything from a quick snack to a gourmet eggs benedict.

But have you ever tried making them at home? It’s easier than you think, and the results are infinitely better than store-bought versions.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process, ensuring your homemade English muffins turn out perfectly every time.

Ingredients Needed

To make about 8-10 muffins, here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
• 1 cup of milk (warm)
• ½ cup of water (warm)
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (melted)
• Cornmeal or semolina flour (for dusting)

Notes on substitutions:

• You can swap milk for a plant-based alternative if needed.
• Whole wheat flour can replace half the all-purpose flour for a healthier option.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Griddle or heavy skillet
• Baking sheet
• Muffin rings (optional but helpful for uniform shapes)

Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: Combine warm water and milk with the sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top, stir gently, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to work.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until the dough starts coming together.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5 minutes.
4. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5–2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Pro Tip: Dough rises best in a draft-free, slightly warm spot like a turned-off oven with the light on.

Shaping the Muffins

1. Divide the dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ½ inch thick.
2. Cut the muffins: Use a round cutter (about 3–4 inches in diameter) or a glass to cut out circles. Re-roll the scraps to make more muffins.
3. Dust with cornmeal: Lightly coat both sides of each muffin with cornmeal or semolina flour. This prevents sticking and gives that signature texture.
4. Second rise: Place the muffins on a baking sheet, cover them with a clean kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes.

Cooking the Muffins

1. Preheat the griddle: Heat a griddle or heavy skillet over low to medium heat.
2. Cook on the first side: Gently transfer the muffins to the griddle. Cook for about 6–7 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
3. Flip and cook: Carefully flip each muffin and cook the other side for another 6–7 minutes.
4. Check doneness: The muffins should sound hollow when tapped and have a golden exterior. If needed, finish them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked inside.

Tips for Perfect English Muffins

Homemade English muffins may seem simple, but a few tricks can elevate them to bakery-quality goodness. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Mind the heat: Always cook the muffins on low to medium heat. Too high, and you risk burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
2. Don’t skip the second rise: The second rise ensures the muffins achieve their signature airy texture. Skipping or rushing this step can lead to dense muffins.
3. Use a thermometer: For the most precise results, check the internal temperature. Muffins are fully cooked when they reach 200°F (93°C) inside.
4. Griddle over oven: While the oven is helpful for finishing, the griddle is where the magic happens. That gentle stovetop heat creates the iconic texture and flavor.
5. Keep it uniform: If you’re not using muffin rings, try to shape your dough circles evenly. This helps with consistent cooking and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your muffins are golden, fluffy, and ready, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are a few creative ways to serve English muffins:

1. Classic buttered: Slice your muffin in half, toast it lightly, and slather on butter. The nooks and crannies hold the melted goodness perfectly.
2. Sweet spreads: Top with jam, honey, or Nutella for a sweet morning treat.
3. Savory options: Add cream cheese, avocado slices, or a fried egg for a hearty snack.
4. Eggs Benedict: Use your muffins as the base for poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and Canadian bacon.
5. Mini pizzas: Spread marinara sauce and shredded cheese on the muffin halves, then broil until bubbly.

Storage and Reheating

Storage Tips:

• Room temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips:

• Toaster: Slice the muffin and toast to your liking.
• Oven: Heat at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Wrap the muffin in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs about English Muffin Recipe

What ingredients do I need for a basic English muffin recipe?

To make English muffins at home, you’ll need all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, water, and milk. Some recipes might also include butter or oil for a richer texture.

How do I get the classic nooks and crannies in my English muffins?

The key to achieving those characteristic nooks and crannies in English muffins is in the dough’s moisture content and the cooking process. Use a wetter dough than typical bread and cook the muffins on a griddle or skillet at a low temperature to allow the steam to form the nooks as they cook.

Can I make English muffins without a dough ring?

Yes, you can make English muffins without dough rings by shaping the dough into balls and gently flattening them into discs. They might not have the uniform shape that rings provide, but they’ll still taste delicious.

How long do homemade English muffins last?

Homemade English muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add various ingredients to your dough to customize your English muffins. Consider incorporating cinnamon and raisins for a sweet version or herbs and cheese for a savory treat.

Conclusion

Making English muffins at home is a delightful process that rewards you with bakery-style results. By following this guide, you’ll create fluffy, golden muffins with that signature chewy texture and nooks-and-crannies goodness. Whether you enjoy them toasted with butter or as part of an elaborate meal, there’s no denying the charm of these homemade gems.