4.9 from 51 votes
Master Muffin Recipe
This master muffin recipe produces a tender, moist muffin base suitable for various add-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts. The batter is creamed with butter and sugar, then gently combined with flour and milk or buttermilk to ensure a soft crumb. The recipe can be customized with extracts, spices, or toppings such as streusel or oats, making it versatile for different flavor preferences and occasions.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
22 mins
Rest
5 mins
Total Time
47 mins
Servings:
12
standard muffins
Calories:
226 kcal
Course:
Breakfast
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
- 2 egg
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
Instructions
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly grease liners with nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened ½ cup butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in 2 eggs until combined, about 20 to 30 seconds. Add 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and any optional spices. Mix briefly.
- Add 1 cup of flour and mix until just combined. Then add ½ cup milk (or buttermilk) and stir to combine. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, then add the remaining 1 cup of flour. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- If using, use a rubber spatula to gently fold in 1 cup of any add-ins such as chocolate chips, berries, or nuts.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Let the batter rest while preheating the oven.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes. Without opening the door, reduce the heat in the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 13-15 minutes. Watch the muffins closely as cooking times may vary depending on your oven.
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Vanilla extract can be substituted with almond, lemon, or orange extracts for different flavor profiles.
- To add warm spices, include ½ to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for cinnamon or pumpkin spice versions.
- Incorporate up to 2 tablespoons of citrus zest and extracts for bright citrus-flavored muffins.
- For chocolate variations, add ½ cup cocoa powder along with the sugar.
- Pistachio muffins can be made by replacing ¼ cup sugar with instant pistachio pudding mix.
- Add-ins such as chocolate chips, berries, dried fruits, or nuts should total about 1 cup and can be combined.
- Streusel topping can be made by mixing brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and cutting in cold butter; sprinkle before baking.
- Other toppings include oats with brown sugar, chopped nuts, granulated sugar crystals, or thin fruit slices placed atop the batter before baking.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1muffin
Calories
226kcal
(11%)
Carbohydrates
33g
(11%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
49mg
(16%)
Sodium
180mg
(8%)
Potassium
116mg
(2%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
17g
(34%)
Vitamin A
292IU
(6%)
Calcium
50mg
(5%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12 standard muffins
Amount Per Serving
Calories 226
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1muffin | |
| Calories | 226kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 49mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 180mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 116mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 17g | 34% |
| Vitamin A | 292IU | 6% |
| Calcium | 50mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.