Ree Drummond’s French Breakfast Puffs

Introduction to French Breakfast Puffs

French Breakfast Puffs are a delightful breakfast treat that combines the ease of muffin-making with the allure of a cinnamon-sugar pastry. Inspired by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, these puffs have become a staple in many households for their simplicity and decadent taste. They are essentially muffins rolled in butter and then coated with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, creating a sweet, crunchy exterior.

**Ingredients and Preparation**

To make French Breakfast Puffs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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3 cups all-purpose flour

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3 teaspoons baking powder

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1 teaspoon salt

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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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1 cup white sugar

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2/3 cup nonhydrogenated shortening (e.g., Crisco)

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2 large eggs

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1 cup milk

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For the cinnamon sugar crust:

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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

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3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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2 sticks of unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1.

Preheat the Oven:

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.

Prepare the Muffin Tin:

Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray.
3.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
4.

Cream Sugar and Shortening:

In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of sugar and shortening until light. Add eggs and mix well.
5.

Alternate Mixing:

Add half of the flour mixture and mix, followed by half of the milk. Repeat this process until all ingredients are combined.
6.

Fill Muffin Cups:

Use an ice cream scoop to fill each muffin cup about halfway.
7.

Bake:

Place the muffins in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
8.

Create the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

Melt the butter and mix the sugar and cinnamon in separate bowls.
9.

Roll in Butter and Sugar:

Once the muffins are baked, dip each warm muffin in the melted butter, coating it thoroughly, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.

**Tips for Perfecting French Breakfast Puffs**

Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect French Breakfast Puffs:

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Use Room Temperature Ingredients:

Ensure that all ingredients, especially eggs and shortening, are at room temperature for better mixing.
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Don’t Overmix:

Only mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined to prevent dense muffins.
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Uniform Sizing:

Use an ice cream scoop to ensure all muffins are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.

**Variations and Adaptations**

While the original recipe is a classic, there are ways to adapt it to suit your taste:

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Mini Muffins:

Use a mini muffin tin to make bite-sized puffs, perfect for snacking or breakfast on-the-go. Mini puffs bake for about 12-15 minutes.
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Spice It Up:

Add a pinch of other spices like cardamom or nutmeg to give the puffs a unique flavor.
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Freeze for Later:

French Breakfast Puffs can be frozen after baking and reheated in the microwave when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other types of sugar for the cinnamon sugar mixture?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar, for a different texture and flavor.

Q: How do I store leftover French Breakfast Puffs?

A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for several months and reheated in the microwave.

Q: Can I make these puffs gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.

Conclusion

French Breakfast Puffs are a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. With their sweet cinnamon sugar coating and tender interior, they are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you follow the original recipe or decide to experiment with different variations, these puffs are a treat that will leave you wanting more.