English Muffins Recipe

Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the muffins.

Active dry yeast: Essential for the dough to rise and become fluffy.

Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.

Butter: Adds flavor and helps create a tender crumb.

Cornmeal: Used for dusting the baking sheet, giving the muffins a unique texture.

When kneading the dough, make sure to use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself and give it a quarter turn. This helps develop the gluten structure, resulting in a smoother and more elastic dough. If the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands and the surface with flour, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the muffins dense.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser texture.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and adds moisture to the dough.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a slightly different flavor profile and contains trace minerals.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients and may speed up the rising process.

• warmed milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can be used for those with lactose intolerance or dietary preferences.

• melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based fat that can add a subtle coconut flavor and is suitable for vegans.

• cornmeal - Substitute with semolina: Semolina provides a similar texture for dusting and can add a slightly different flavor.

• Allow the English muffins to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.

• Store the cooled muffins in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out.

• If you plan to consume the muffins within a few days, keep them at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, place the muffins in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week when refrigerated.

• To freeze the muffins, first, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them from sticking together.

• Place the wrapped muffins in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• Frozen English muffins can be stored for up to 3 months.

• When ready to use, thaw the muffins at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.

• For a quick thaw, you can microwave the muffins on a low setting for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

• To reheat, slice the muffins in half and toast them in a toaster or on a griddle until they are warm and slightly crispy.

• Enjoy your English muffins with your favorite toppings, such as butter, jam, or honey.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each English muffin in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped muffins on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

• Toaster Method:

  1. Slice the English muffins in half horizontally.
  2. Place the halves in a toaster and toast on a medium setting until they are heated and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Wrap each English muffin in a damp paper towel.
  2. Place the wrapped muffins on a microwave-safe plate.
  3. Microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them chewy.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Slice the English muffins in half horizontally.
  3. Place the halves cut-side down on the skillet and heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Place the English muffins in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast with the warmed milk and melted butter.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, and milk.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt, sugar, and yeast.

• Whisk: Useful for mixing the dry ingredients together before adding the wet ingredients.

• Wooden spoon: Handy for mixing the dough until it forms.

• Floured surface: Required for kneading the dough to achieve a smooth and elastic texture.

• Rolling pin: Helps in rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.

• Biscuit cutter: Used to cut out the dough rounds.

• Baking sheet: Needed to place the dough rounds on for the second rise.

• Cornmeal: Used for dusting the baking sheet to prevent sticking.

• Griddle: Preheated to cook the muffins until golden brown and cooked through.

• Wire rack: Allows the muffins to cool properly before serving.

• Greased bowl: Used to let the dough rise in a warm place.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to save time during the process.

Use a stand mixer: Knead the dough with a stand mixer to reduce manual effort and time.

Warm environment: Let the dough rise in a warm place like an oven with the light on to speed up the rising process.

Preheat griddle: Preheat the griddle while the dough rounds are rising to ensure it’s ready for cooking.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple muffins at once on a large griddle to save time.