French Breakfast Muffins are a delightful treat that combines soft, tender muffins with a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these muffins are not only simple to make but also kid-friendly. Their irresistible flavor and texture make them suitable for various occasions—from weekend brunches to cozy family gatherings. You will love how quickly they come together!

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
- With Fresh Fruits
- With Yogurt
- Drizzled with Honey
- As a Dessert
- How to Perfect French Breakfast Muffins
- Best Side Dishes for French Breakfast Muffins
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing French Breakfast Muffins
- Reheating French Breakfast Muffins
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are French Breakfast Muffins?
- How can I customize French Breakfast Muffins?
- Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
- How do I store leftover French Breakfast Muffins?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip these muffins up in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The buttery cinnamon-sugar topping adds a delightful sweetness that complements the soft muffin base perfectly.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm for breakfast or as an afternoon snack; they fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for involving kids in the kitchen—let them help mix and coat the muffins!
- Perfect for Sharing: These muffins are great for gatherings or potlucks, making it easy to share joy with others.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, gather essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Ensures even baking and helps create perfectly shaped muffins.
- Mixing bowls: Allows you to easily combine dry and wet ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Provides a quick way to blend ingredients smoothly, ensuring a light batter.
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.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
1. 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2. ½ cup white sugar
3. 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
4. ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
5. ⅛ teaspoon salt
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. 1 egg, lightly beaten
2. ½ cup milk
3. ⅓ cup butter, melted
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. The batter may be slightly lumpy—this is fine.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Topping
While the muffins are baking:
1. Mix together:
– ¼ cup white sugar
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Melt the remaining ⅓ cup butter in another small bowl.
Step 8: Dip and Coat
Once the muffins are finished baking, let them cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Then remove them from the pan.
Dip the tops of each muffin in the melted butter followed by coating them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 9: Serve
Serve these French Breakfast Muffins warm for optimal flavor and texture!
Enjoy your freshly baked treats!
How to Serve French Breakfast Muffins
French Breakfast Muffins are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a sweet snack, these serving suggestions will elevate your muffin experience.
With Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Top your muffin with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor.
- Banana Slices: Add banana slices on top for extra sweetness and a creamy texture.
With Yogurt
- Greek Yogurt: Serve alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
- Fruit Yogurt: Pair with flavored yogurt like vanilla or berry to complement the muffins.
Drizzled with Honey
- Honey Glaze: A light drizzle of honey adds a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Maple Syrup: For a classic touch, pour some maple syrup over the muffins before serving.
As a Dessert
- Ice Cream: Enjoy warm muffins topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Whipped Cream: Add whipped cream on top for a light and fluffy finish.
How to Perfect French Breakfast Muffins
To ensure your French Breakfast Muffins turn out perfectly each time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a better texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to keep the muffins tender and light.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense muffins.
- Check Doneness Early: Begin checking for doneness at 20 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Cool Before Coating: Let muffins cool slightly before dipping in butter and cinnamon-sugar for better adherence.

Best Side Dishes for French Breakfast Muffins
Pairing side dishes can enhance your meal experience with French Breakfast Muffins. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and complement the sweet flavors of the muffins.
- Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon offers a savory contrast that pairs wonderfully with sweet muffins.
- Smoothie Bowl: A nutritious smoothie bowl can be a refreshing side that complements the muffins’ richness.
- Nut Butter Spread: Serve with almond or peanut butter spread for added flavor and nutrition.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option provides fiber and keeps your breakfast balanced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making French Breakfast Muffins, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven properly. An oven that’s too hot or too cold can lead to uneven baking.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mix only until combined. Overmixing can result in dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Inaccurate Measuring: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Incorrect measurements can affect the texture and taste of your muffins.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Allow muffins to cool in the tin briefly before removing them. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from falling apart.
- Neglecting Topping Preparation: Prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping while the muffins bake. Dipping warm muffins ensures that the topping sticks well.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store French Breakfast Muffins in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing French Breakfast Muffins
- Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating French Breakfast Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat muffins for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each muffin for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are French Breakfast Muffins?
French Breakfast Muffins are soft muffins coated with a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
How can I customize French Breakfast Muffins?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added flavor. Experiment with spices like cardamom for a twist!
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
How do I store leftover French Breakfast Muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
These French Breakfast Muffins are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or customize them with your favorite add-ins. Try this delightful recipe today and make your breakfast special!
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French Breakfast Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of French Breakfast Muffins, where soft, tender muffins meet a heavenly buttery cinnamon-sugar topping. These muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. With their simple preparation and kid-friendly appeal, they are ideal for family gatherings, brunches, or just a cozy morning at home. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these delicious treats come together!
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 muffins)
- 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 or line it with paper liners.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and melted butter together.
- Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients gently until just mixed; some lumps are okay.
- Fill muffin cups about two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare the topping by mixing sugar and cinnamon in one bowl and melting butter in another.
- Once baked and slightly cooled, dip each muffin top in melted butter then coat with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (60g)
- Calories: 238
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 183mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 38mg