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Master Muffin Recipe

Use one recipe to create any flavor of muffin in any size with our Master Muffin Recipe, featuring endless mix-ins, toppings, and flavorings.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 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 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup milk or buttermilk

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly grease liners with nonstick spray.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. If using, use a rubber spatula to gently fold in 1 cup of any add-ins such as chocolate chips, berries, or nuts.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Let the batter rest while preheating the oven.
  7. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  8. 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.
  9. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Extracts: The vanilla extract can be replaced in the same amount with other flavors like almond extract, lemon extract, and orange extract. 
  • For cinnamon or pumpkin spice muffins, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon total of ground cinnamon.
  • For citrus flavors, use citrus extracts and add up to 2 tablespoons of orange or lemon zest. 
  • For chocolate muffins, add 1/2 cup cocoa powder with the sugar. 
  • For pistachio muffins, replace 1/4 cup of the sugar with a 3.4-ounce package of Instant Pistachio Pudding
  • For poppy seed muffins, add 3 tablespoons of poppy seeds.
  • Add-ins should total up to 1 cup. Feel free to mix and match with the following options: chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, white, or mini), cinnamon chips, fresh or frozen berries. dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, pistachio, or macadamia).
  • Streusel Topping: Stir together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a pastry blender to cut 4 tablespoons cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles small pebbles or sand. Spoon on top of muffin batter just before baking. 
  • Other Toppings: Oats and brown sugar (1/4 cup of each) sprinkled on top, 1/4 to 1/3 cup of finely chopped nuts, sprinkle 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or sugar crystals, or decorate with thin slices of fruit.
  •  

Nutrition Information

Serving 1muffin Calories 226kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 33g (11%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 49mg (16%) Sodium 180mg (8%) Potassium 116mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 17g (34%) Vitamin A 292IU (6%) Calcium 50mg (5%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12standard 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.