Making homemade English muffins is a rewarding process, and they are perfect for breakfast or as a base for sandwiches. Here’s a simple recipe to make delicious, homemade English muffins.
Homemade English Muffins Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120g) bread flour (or more all-purpose flour)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Cornmeal or semolina flour for dusting
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
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Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
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Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed.
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First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the Muffins:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. Place the rounds on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or semolina flour. Make sure to leave some space between them.
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Second Rise:
- Cover the muffins with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
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Cook the Muffins:
- Preheat a griddle or large skillet over low to medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with a little oil or butter.
- Carefully transfer the muffins to the griddle. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to adjust the heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning.
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Cool:
- Once cooked, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serve:
- Split the muffins with a fork (to get that classic nooks and crannies texture) and toast them if desired. Serve with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Tips:
- Storage: Store the English muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just toast them directly from the freezer.
- Variations: You can add ingredients like dried fruit, herbs, or cheese to the dough for different flavors.
- Cooking Method: If you prefer, you can also bake the muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes after the second rise.
Enjoy your homemade English muffins! They are perfect for breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, or simply toasted with butter.