Muffins are the perfect snack or breakfast option for a busy morning. These fluffy vanilla muffins offer the ideal balance of lightness, sweetness, and a delightful vanilla flavor. With a simple list of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can bake these muffins in no time. Whether you’re preparing for a weekend brunch or a quick snack during the week, these muffins will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, or store them for later enjoyment. Let’s get started!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray. This ensures that the muffins will come out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting the dry ingredients helps avoid any lumps and ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent, which is crucial for achieving the perfect rise in your muffins. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which will help the muffins become soft and light.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. The vanilla extract enhances the muffins’ flavor, giving them that classic, comforting vanilla taste.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Begin by adding one-third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, followed by half of the milk. Mix gently until just combined, then repeat the process until all ingredients are added. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense muffins. The batter should be thick and a little lumpy.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This allows enough room for the muffins to rise while baking without overflowing. If desired, sprinkle a little sugar on top of each muffin for an extra touch of sweetness and a slight crunch.
Step 7: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking. The muffins should have a soft, springy texture when touched.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and reheat them later for a quick treat.
These fluffy vanilla muffins are incredibly easy to make, and their light, moist texture makes them the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or storing them for later, you’ll love how simple and versatile they are. You can even customize the recipe by adding chocolate chips, berries, or nuts for added flavor. With only a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation time, this recipe guarantees a delicious batch of muffins every time.
Perfect for any occasion, these fluffy vanilla muffins are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!