Name: French Breakfast Puffs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour; 2/3 cup Granulated sugar; 2 ½ teaspoons Baking powder; ½ teaspoon Salt; ¼ teaspoon Ground nutmeg (freshly grated preferred); ½ cup Butter, melted; 1 large Egg, room temperature; ¾ cup Milk or buttermilk (buttermilk preferred); 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; ½ cup Butter, melted (for coating); 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (for coating); ½ cup Sugar (for coating)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 49 reviews

There is something truly magical about starting your day with a warm, comforting treat, and this French Breakfast Puffs Recipe delivers exactly that. These fluffy, buttery muffins, lightly coated in melted butter and cinnamon sugar, bring a classic French-inspired breakfast vibe right to your kitchen. Every bite is a perfect balance of softness and sweetness that feels both cozy and indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a special brunch addition or a simple, delightful morning pick-me-up, these puffs are sure to become your new go-to breakfast favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A group of nine clear glass bowls and one whole white egg is arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowls at the back hold a pile of white flour on the left, and solid yellow butter in two pieces on the right. In front of the flour is a small bowl with light brown sugar, and to its right a small bowl of white granulated sugar. Next to the butter bowl is a small bowl of brown cinnamon powder. At the front row, starting from the left, there is a single white egg, a small bowl of dark brown vanilla extract, and a small bowl of orange-brown ground spice, likely pumpkin spice. To the right, a large clear measuring cup filled with white liquid, probably milk, completes the set. The background shows a soft-focused kitchen counter with drawers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this French Breakfast Puffs Recipe, the ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays a crucial role in creating that perfect texture, flavor, and golden color. From the richness of the butter to the gentle warmth of nutmeg, each component contributes to the overall deliciousness.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of your muffins, giving them that soft but sturdy crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right, balancing flavors.
Baking powder: The key leavening agent that makes these puffs wonderfully fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors effortlessly.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warm spice that’s perfect for a breakfast treat.
Butter (melted): Brings a rich, buttery flavor to the batter and for coating later.
Egg: Helps bind the batter and adds structure to the muffins.
Milk or buttermilk: Buttermilk is preferred for a slight tang and tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic sweetness that rounds out the batter.
Butter for coating (melted): For giving each puff that irresistible buttery, cinnamon-sugar crust.
Ground cinnamon: Paired with sugar to coat the outside, bringing that signature warm spice.
Sugar for coating: Creates a sweet, crunchy exterior once combined with cinnamon.

How to Make French Breakfast Puffs Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Begin by combining all the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg. Mixing these first ensures that the leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, which is key for consistency in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness), and vanilla extract. This creates a smooth, rich liquid base for your muffins. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the texture light and fluffy.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tins

Grease your muffin tin and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon the batter into each cup, filling about three-quarters full. This gives each muffin room to rise beautifully while baking, creating those airy puffs that are so delightful.

Step 4: Bake the Muffins

Place the filled muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will start smelling amazing as the biscuits bake!

Step 5: Cool and Coat with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack. While they’re still warm, dip each puff in melted butter using a pastry brush or your fingers, and immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step creates that iconic, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon sugar crust that completes the French Breakfast Puffs Recipe experience.

How to Serve French Breakfast Puffs Recipe

A white plate is filled with a pile of round doughnut holes, about ten in total, all covered in a light brown sugar and cinnamon coating that gives them a slightly rough texture. One doughnut hole is placed on top in the center, showing its soft, airy inside with a bite taken out. To the back left of the plate, there is a white cup filled with a dark coffee. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, and there is a soft beige cloth partly visible to the right, adding a cozy feel. Some cinnamon sugar is sprinkled lightly on the marbled surface near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these puffs shine on their own, you can add a little something extra with simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey. Fresh berries or a small dollop of whipped cream can add a fresh contrast that is both colorful and flavorful, perfect for making your breakfast look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

These puffs play wonderfully with fresh fruit salads, creamy yogurt, or a side of scrambled eggs if you want to balance sweet and savory. You can also serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy morning treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party or special occasion, arrange the puffs on a decorative platter, interspersed with sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers. You can also stack them in a basket lined with a colorful napkin to invite guests to dig in. The cinnamon sugar crust makes them visually appealing, so keep the presentation simple to let them shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be a challenge!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the puffs fresh and moist without drying out the soft crumb you worked so hard for.

Freezing

This French Breakfast Puffs Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When frozen properly, they can keep well for up to two months, giving you a quick breakfast treat anytime you want.

Reheating

To enjoy the puffs after storing or freezing, just warm them up in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps to bring back that freshly-baked softness and allows the cinnamon sugar coating to regain its lovely crispness.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! While buttermilk adds a pleasant tang and tender crumb, regular milk works perfectly fine. You might just miss a slight depth in flavor, but your puffs will still be deliciously fluffy.

Is there a way to make these puffs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that is formulated for 1-to-1 replacement. Just be aware that the texture might shift slightly but the flavor will remain wonderful.

Can I make the batter the night before?

For best results, make the batter fresh right before baking. However, if you want to prep ahead, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking to keep the leavening active.

What’s the best way to achieve the cinnamon sugar coating?

Dip your warm muffins generously in melted butter, then immediately toss or roll them in cinnamon sugar. Doing this while they’re warm helps the sugar stick and creates that irresistible crust.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of whisking by hand?

Yes! A hand mixer makes the mixing quicker and ensures even distribution of ingredients, but remember to mix just until combined to keep your puffs light and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a little hug in food form, this French Breakfast Puffs Recipe is your answer. It’s simple to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself. Give these puffs a try and watch how quickly they become a treasured part of your morning routine.

French Breakfast Puffs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need