Muffins with butter and fruit

Fluffy Butter and Fruit Muffins - An Unforgettable Breakfast

Who doesn't love a delicious and comforting breakfast? These butter and fruit muffins are not only incredibly fluffy but also bursting with flavor, making them perfect for starting your day with a smile. Whether you're looking for a culinary treat or simply want to delight your family with something special, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 muffins

Ingredients needed:

- 270 g all-purpose flour
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 50 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk
- 120 ml warm milk
- 35 g sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons of oil
- 100 g butter (left at room temperature for a few hours)
- 10 raspberries
- 10 blueberries

Let’s dive into making these fluffy muffins!

Step 1: Preparing the Butter with Fruit

First, take 100 g of butter that has been left at room temperature so it is soft and easy to incorporate into the mixture. Add the 10 raspberries and 10 blueberries to the bowl. Using a fork, gently mix the ingredients for about 3 minutes until the fruit is well incorporated and the butter becomes creamy. Once you have a smooth mixture, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator to intensify the flavors.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough

In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Here, add the whole egg, melted (but cooled) butter, salt, sugar, and the yeast that you have previously dissolved in the warm milk. It’s important that the milk is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast. Mix all the ingredients well for about 5 minutes until you obtain an elastic dough.

Step 3: Kneading

Once the dough is well combined, add a teaspoon of oil and continue kneading for 2-3 minutes. This step is essential as kneading helps develop the gluten, which will make the muffins fluffy and airy. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place, away from drafts.

Step 4: Shaping the Muffins

After the dough has risen, add the last teaspoon of oil and knead again for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and form 6 dough balls, placing them in a muffin tin that you have greased and floured. Let the muffins rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel.

Step 5: Baking

Before baking the muffins, brush them with a beaten egg yolk mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to give them a beautiful golden color. Preheat the oven to 170 °C and bake the muffins for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 150 °C and bake for another 10 minutes. It’s important to do the toothpick test - if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready!

Step 6: Serving

Once the muffins are baked and have an irresistible aroma, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. They can be served warm, with soft butter or strawberry jam for an extra flavor boost. These muffins pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.

Useful Tips:

1. Ingredients: Use high-quality butter, as this is the key ingredient that will make the muffins delicious and fluffy. The fruits can vary according to your preferences. You can replace the raspberries and blueberries with pieces of apple or peaches, depending on the season.

2. Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh. Check the expiration date before using it. If you prefer, you can use dry yeast, but the amount should be about 5 g.

3. Temperature: The dough's rising is essential. If it’s too cold, it won’t rise properly. You can let it rise in a warm place or in a preheated oven at a very low temperature.

4. Variations: You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give the muffins a warm note. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of dried fruits or chocolate.

Nutritional Benefits:

These butter and fruit muffins are not only delicious but also nutritious. Raspberries and blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. Plus, butter provides healthy fats, and the egg offers quality protein.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can substitute part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

2. How can I tell if the muffins are baked? Perform the toothpick test: if the toothpick comes out clean, the muffins are done.

3. What can I do with leftover muffins? They can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or frozen for later consumption.

These butter and fruit muffins are definitely a perfect choice for a savory breakfast or a sweet snack at any time of the day. I challenge you to try them and share this recipe with your loved ones! Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!