Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, preferably at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons coarse or granulated sugar, for topping
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, optional, for brushing after baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the whole milk and vanilla extract. Slowly whisk in the melted, slightly cooled butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until no large pockets of dry flour remain. Do not beat the batter smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Sprinkle the tops with 2 to 3 tablespoons of coarse or granulated sugar.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 5 minutes.
- Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue baking for about 10 to 14 minutes, until the tops are risen and golden.
- Check the center with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
- Let the muffins rest in the pan for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack.
- For a richer buttery finish, lightly brush the warm tops with the optional tablespoon of melted butter.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
- Measure flour carefully: For the most repeatable result, use 240 g rather than packing flour into measuring cups.
- Do not overmix: Stop folding once the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can produce a firmer crumb.
- Butter temperature: Melted butter should be slightly cooled before it meets the eggs.
- Room-temperature ingredients: Using milk and eggs that are not refrigerator-cold helps prevent the melted butter from rapidly solidifying.
- Fresh baking powder: Old baking powder may result in flatter muffins.
- Golden crust: Sugar sprinkled before baking gives the tops their sweet, lightly crisp finish.
- Ovens vary: Begin checking during the final few minutes rather than relying solely on the clock.
- Storage: Cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Best texture is within about 2 days.
- Freezing: Once completely cool, muffins can be frozen in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Default to prep + cook: 30–34 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–19 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
