These homemade English muffins are easy to prepare using a bread machine, resulting in soft, delicious muffins perfect for breakfast or brunch. With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy fresh, warm muffins right from your kitchen.
The recipe is straightforward and allows for customization with various toppings or fillings, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Creating the Perfect English Muffins
Homemade English muffins are a delightful addition to any breakfast table. The process is simple, especially when using a bread machine, which takes care of the mixing and kneading for you.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of soft, airy muffins that are perfect for toasting. The texture, with its signature nooks and crannies, makes them ideal for holding butter and jam, enhancing your breakfast experience.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can enjoy these muffins plain or customize them with your favorite toppings, making them suitable for any meal of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get started on your English muffin journey, gather the following ingredients: warm milk, warm water, sugar, salt, softened butter, bread flour, and active dry yeast.
These basic components come together to create a delicious base. The addition of cornmeal for dusting adds a nice texture and prevents sticking, ensuring your muffins cook evenly.
With these ingredients at hand, you’re well on your way to creating a warm and inviting breakfast treat.
The Bread Machine Advantage
Using a bread machine simplifies the process significantly. Begin by adding the warmed milk and water to the pan, followed by sugar, salt, and softened butter.
Next, layer the bread flour on top, creating a well in the center for the yeast. This method helps the yeast activate properly, ensuring your muffins rise beautifully.
Set the machine to the dough cycle and let it work its magic. In about an hour, you’ll have dough that has doubled in size, ready for shaping.
Shaping and Cooking Your Muffins
Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about half an inch thick.
Using a round cutter, cut out your muffins and place them on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. This step not only prevents sticking but also adds a delightful crunch to the exterior.
After shaping, cover the muffins with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for achieving that light, airy texture.
Cooking to Perfection
Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat for cooking the muffins.
Cook each muffin for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this process is simply irresistible.
Once cooked, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool. This cooling process helps maintain their texture, ensuring they are perfect for splitting open.
Serving Suggestions
To enjoy your freshly baked English muffins, split them open with a fork. This method preserves the nooks and crannies that are perfect for toasting.
Spread a generous amount of butter and top with strawberry jam or any other favorite spread. The combination of warm muffins with melting butter and sweet jam is a breakfast dream.
These muffins are not just for breakfast; they can also be served as a delightful snack or even as a base for eggs Benedict. The possibilities are endless!
Easy Bread Machine English Muffins Recipe
This English muffin recipe yields soft, nooks, and crannies that are perfect for toasting. The process takes about 2 hours from start to finish and makes 12 muffins.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup water, warmed
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- Cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: In the bread machine pan, add the warmed milk, water, sugar, salt, and softened butter. Then add the bread flour on top, making a well in the center for the yeast. Sprinkle the yeast into the well.
- Select Cycle: Set the bread machine to the dough cycle and start. Allow the machine to mix and knead the dough until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Muffins: Once the dough cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out muffins and place them on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Second Rise: Cover the muffins with a clean towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes until they puff up.
- Cook Muffins: Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Cook the muffins for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack. Split them open with a fork, toast, and enjoy with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g