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Welcome to a delicious way to start your day! Cinnamon Sugar French Breakfast Puffs are warm, soft, and coated in sweet cinnamon goodness. You won’t believe how easy they are to make. In this article, I’ll share step-by-step instructions, handy tips, and even some fun variations. Whether you’re a baking pro or just getting started, these treats will impress everyone at your breakfast table. Let’s dive in and whip up something irresistible!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, making it a perfect choice for a busy morning.
- Fluffy and Delicious: The combination of spices and the light texture of these French puffs make them a delightful treat for any breakfast or snack.
- Customizable Coating: You can easily adjust the sugar and spice mix to your liking or even add a chocolate glaze for a twist!
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these puffs are great for gatherings, family breakfasts, or just to enjoy with friends over coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For this recipe, we start with the dry ingredients. The all-purpose flour gives the puffs their body. Baking powder helps them rise and stay fluffy. Salt adds flavor, while nutmeg and cinnamon bring warmth and depth.
Wet Ingredients
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Next, we move to the wet ingredients. Granulated sugar sweetens the batter. Melted butter adds richness, while milk gives moisture. The egg binds everything together, and vanilla adds a lovely aroma.
Topping
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar for cinnamon sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Finally, we prepare the topping. The sugar and cinnamon mix creates a sweet, spiced coating. Powdered sugar adds a nice touch for presentation. This blend makes each puff irresistible and delightful to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease a mini muffin pan or a standard muffin pan.
– In a medium bowl, mix together:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Mixing
– In a separate bowl, whisk together:
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Mix until smooth and creamy.
– Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Baking
– Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter.
– Bake for 12-15 minutes.
– The puffs are ready when golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Finishing Touches
– While baking, mix together:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– Remove puffs from the oven and cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
– Brush each puff with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar.
– Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the puffs tough. Mix until just combined for a light texture. Baking time is key. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
Making Ahead
You can prepare the batter in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to two hours. When ready, bake as usual. For reheating, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This helps keep them soft and fresh.
Presentation Tips
Serve these puffs with coffee or tea for a delightful pairing. They look great on a platter dusted with powdered sugar. Add fresh berries or mint leaves for color. A simple touch makes your dish pop and impresses guests.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your ground cinnamon and nutmeg are fresh for the best flavor. Spices lose their potency over time, so check the expiration dates.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense puffs instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Coat While Warm: For a better cinnamon sugar coating, roll the puffs in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm. This allows the sugar to stick better.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of cardamom or vanilla bean to the batter for an extra layer of flavor. You can also try using flavored extracts in place of vanilla.

Variations
Flavor Modifications
You can change the flavors in your puffs to suit your taste. One fun idea is to add chocolate chips or nuts. Chocolate chips bring a sweet, rich taste. Nuts add crunch and flavor, making each bite exciting. You can also swap spices. Instead of cinnamon, try cardamom for a unique twist. Cardamom has a warm, sweet flavor that pairs well with sugar. These small changes can make your puffs feel new and special.
Dietary Adjustments
If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy these puffs. For a gluten-free option, use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. Both will give you a light texture. If you want to make them vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Also, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. These swaps let you enjoy the puffs while meeting your diet.
Serving Variations
You can serve your puffs in many fun ways. Try pairing them with different dips or spreads. A chocolate sauce or fruit jam can add a tasty touch. You can also use these puffs in dessert recipes. For example, cut them in half and fill them with whipped cream or ice cream. This turns a simple breakfast treat into a dessert that everyone will love. The options are endless, so get creative with your serving ideas!
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your puffs fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to maintain their fluffy texture, avoid stacking them. Instead, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Long-Term Storage
You can freeze the puffs to enjoy later. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last in the freezer for about three months. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
Shelf Life
At room temperature, the puffs will last about one day. Always check for freshness before eating. Signs of spoilage include an off smell or a change in texture. If they feel hard or dry, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your treats while they’re fresh and tasty!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar French Breakfast Puffs in advance?
Yes, you can make these puffs in advance. Prepare the batter, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them fresh. This keeps them fluffy and warm.
Can these puffs be frozen and reheated?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked puffs in a single layer. Once frozen, place them in a zip-top bag. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for about 10 minutes. They will taste nearly fresh!
What can I substitute for milk in this recipe?
You can use almond milk or oat milk as great alternatives. For a creamier texture, try using heavy cream or half-and-half. Each option will still keep your puffs tasty.
Ingredient Substitutions
What substitutes can I use for butter?
If you need a butter substitute, try using coconut oil or vegetable oil. Applesauce can also work for a lower-fat option, though it may change the flavor a bit.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
To adjust sweetness, simply use less sugar. You can also swap some granulated sugar for a natural sweetener, like honey or maple syrup, for a unique twist.
Troubleshooting
Why are my puffs not rising?
If your puffs are not rising, check your baking powder. It may be old or expired. Also, ensure you mix the batter gently; overmixing can lead to dense puffs.
What do I do if the puffs come out dry?
If the puffs are dry, you may have overbaked them. Make sure to check for doneness at 12 minutes. Keeping the batter moist by not overmixing also helps.
In this post, we explored how to make delicious Cinnamon Sugar French Breakfast Puffs. We covered essential ingredients, clear steps, and helpful tips. You learned about variations to suit your taste and how to store them properly. Remember, these puffs are versatile, so experiment with flavors or dietary needs. With the right methods, you’ll create a tasty treat that everyone will enjoy. Happy bakin
Cinnamon Sugar French Breakfast Puffs
Delicious fluffy puffs coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for breakfast.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 2 salt
- 1 4 ground nutmeg
- 1 4 ground cinnamon
- 1 2 granulated sugar
- 1 4 unsalted butter, melted
- 1 2 milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 4 powdered sugar (for dusting)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan or a standard muffin pan.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together, then add the milk, egg, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, stirring gently until just combined.
Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter.
Bake for about 12-15 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
While the puffs are baking, mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Once the puffs are done, let them cool for about 5 minutes, then brush with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Allow the coated puffs to cool on a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Enjoy these warm with your favorite morning beverage.
Keyword breakfast, cinnamon sugar, puffs
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