Certainly! Let’s delve into the delightful world of Doughnut Muffins—a charming blend of classic doughnuts and convenient muffins. This recipe not only caters to a quick fix for breakfast but also brings the nostalgic essence of doughnuts into a more manageable muffin form. With its short preparation and cook time, it’s a perfect addition to any morning routine or a snack break. Here’s a comprehensive exploration of the recipe, enriched with detailed insights into each ingredient and step to ensure you master the art of making these scrumptious muffins.
Doughnut Muffins
Recipe Overview
- Name: Doughnut Muffins
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Description: This muffin is an excellent companion for breakfast, pairing well with coffee and orange juice. Remember to enjoy it with your morning juice!
- Recipe Category: Quick Breads
- Keywords: Breads, Breakfast, Lunch/Snacks, Kid Friendly, Potluck, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
- Aggregated Rating: 5
- Review Count: 9
- Calories: 186 per serving
- Fat Content: 6.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2g
- Cholesterol Content: 19.1mg
- Sodium Content: 153.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 29.3g
- Fiber Content: 0.5g
- Sugar Content: 16.8g
- Protein Content: 2.5g
- Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cream Shortening and Sugar:
- Process: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the vegetable shortening and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process involves beating them together to incorporate air, which will result in a lighter texture for your muffins.
- Tip: Ensure the shortening is at room temperature for easier mixing.
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Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Process: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat well to combine, ensuring the egg is fully integrated into the batter.
- Tip: Use a room-temperature egg to prevent curdling and to mix evenly into the batter.
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Sift Dry Ingredients:
- Process: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Tip: You can sift the ingredients twice for extra fluffiness.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Process: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
- Tip: Use a spatula or wooden spoon for this step to avoid overmixing.
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Prepare Muffin Tins:
- Process: Fill greased or paper-lined muffin tins about 2/3 full with the batter. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
- Tip: Use an ice cream scoop for consistent muffin sizes.
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Bake:
- Process: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake the muffins for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown.
- Tip: Rotate the muffin tin halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
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Cool and Frost:
- Process: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost the muffins with your favorite frosting if desired.
- Tip: For a traditional doughnut feel, you can roll the muffins in cinnamon sugar instead of frosting them.
Tips and Variations
Substitute for Shortening: You can use butter in place of vegetable shortening for a richer flavor. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, making the muffins denser.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an extra spice kick, or incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter for a citrus twist.
Frosting Ideas: A classic glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can give these muffins a doughnut-like finish. Alternatively, a chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting could add a delightful contrast.
Healthier Option: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use unsweetened applesauce instead of shortening for a healthier version.
Add-Ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to create a variety of flavors and textures.
Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each doughnut muffin provides approximately:
- Calories: 186
- Fat: 6.7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 19.1mg
- Sodium: 153.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 29.3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 16.8g
- Protein: 2.5g
This nutritional breakdown highlights the balance of macronutrients, offering a glimpse into the indulgent yet manageable profile of these muffins. While they contain a moderate amount of sugar and fat, their portion size and overall caloric content make them a delightful treat in moderation.
Pairing Suggestions
Beverages: These muffins are a versatile companion to various beverages. They pair exceptionally well with:
- Coffee: The slightly sweet and spiced profile complements the bitterness of coffee.
- Tea: Enjoy with a robust black tea or a spiced chai for a harmonious flavor experience.
- Orange Juice: As suggested in the description, orange juice provides a refreshing, tangy contrast.
Sides: For a fuller breakfast, consider serving them alongside:
- Fresh Fruit: A bowl of berries or sliced apples can balance the sweetness of the muffins.
- Yogurt: A side of Greek yogurt adds protein and a creamy texture.
- Eggs: Scrambled or boiled eggs offer additional protein to round out the meal.
Culinary Insights
Doughnut Muffins vs. Traditional Doughnuts: While traditional doughnuts are usually fried, these muffins offer a baked alternative that retains the classic flavor profile but with a lighter, more cake-like texture. This makes them easier to prepare and potentially less calorie-dense than their fried counterparts.
Texture: The key to achieving the perfect texture lies in the creaming process and careful mixing of ingredients. The creaming process introduces air, creating a tender crumb, while alternating the addition of dry and wet ingredients helps to incorporate them evenly without overmixing.
Flavor Profile: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg in the muffins mimics the warm spices typically found in doughnut batter. These spices are crucial for evoking that familiar doughnut aroma and flavor.
Adaptability: This base recipe is highly adaptable. By adjusting the spices, add-ins, and toppings, you can create a variety of muffins that cater to different tastes and occasions. For example, adding pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice can transform these into autumn-themed treats.
Conclusion
Doughnut Muffins offer a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of a classic doughnut in a convenient, oven-baked form. Their easy preparation and versatile nature make them an excellent addition to any breakfast or snack repertoire. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or alongside fresh fruit, these muffins are sure to bring a touch of comfort and nostalgia to your table.
From creaming the shortening and sugar to the final touch of frosting or a simple cinnamon-sugar roll, each step in making these muffins is designed to create a treat that’s as enjoyable to bake as it is to eat. Embrace the flexibility of this recipe and make it your own by experimenting with different flavors and finishes. Happy baking!
