This recipe for English muffin dough made in a bread machine simplifies the process of creating delicious, homemade muffins. The dough is easy to prepare and can be cooked on a griddle or baked in the oven for that classic English muffin texture.
Using a bread machine allows for hands-free mixing and kneading, making it a convenient option for busy home bakers.
Creating the Perfect English Muffin Dough
Making English muffins at home can be a rewarding experience, especially when using a bread machine. This method streamlines the process, allowing you to focus on the joy of baking rather than the intricacies of kneading dough by hand.
The dough produced is soft and chewy, ideal for toasting. With a total time of about two hours, including rising, you can enjoy fresh muffins without spending all morning in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Success
To create these delightful muffins, gather a few simple ingredients. You’ll need warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, bread flour, and active dry yeast. A light dusting of cornmeal adds a rustic touch to the final product.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The warm milk activates the yeast, while the bread flour gives the muffins their characteristic chewiness.
The Bread Machine Advantage
Using a bread machine simplifies the mixing and kneading process. Start by adding the warm milk, followed by the sugar, melted butter, salt, bread flour, and yeast in that specific order.
Once the ingredients are in, select the dough cycle and let the machine do the work. This hands-free approach is perfect for busy mornings or for those who prefer a more relaxed baking experience.
Shaping and Cooking Your Muffins
After the dough has risen, it’s time to shape your muffins. Roll the dough out to about half an inch thick and cut out rounds using a biscuit cutter. Place these rounds on a baking sheet that has been dusted with cornmeal.
Allow the muffins to rise again for about 30 minutes. This final rise is crucial for achieving that airy interior that English muffins are known for.
Cooking Methods: Griddle vs. Oven
When it comes to cooking your muffins, you have options. Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-low heat and cook the muffins for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Both methods yield delicious results, so choose the one that suits your kitchen setup best.
Serving Suggestions
Once your muffins are cool, slice them open to reveal their soft, airy interior. Toast them lightly for an added crunch and serve with butter or your favorite jam.
The combination of warm muffins with a spread of strawberry jam creates a cozy breakfast experience that is hard to resist. Enjoy these homemade delights with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect start to your day.
Easy English Muffin Dough for Bread Machines
This English muffin dough yields a soft and chewy texture, perfect for toasting. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and makes enough dough for about 12 muffins.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- Cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Bread Machine: Pour the warm milk into the bread machine pan. Add sugar, melted butter, salt, bread flour, and yeast in that order.
- Select Dough Cycle: Close the lid and select the dough cycle on your bread machine. Start the machine and let it mix and knead the dough.
- Let Dough Rise: Once the cycle is complete, remove the dough from the pan and place it on a floured surface. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 30 minutes.
- Shape Muffins: Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thick and cut out rounds using a biscuit cutter. Place the rounds on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Final Rise: Cover the muffins with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Cook Muffins: Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the muffins for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool on a wire rack before slicing. Toast and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g