Raisin Muffins

Raisin Muffins – The Delight that Enchants a Tasty Childhood

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Who doesn’t fondly remember the aroma of freshly baked muffins that delight our senses since childhood? These raisin muffins are not only a delicious choice for breakfast or a snack but also a perfect way to bring a touch of nostalgia into every day. The recipe we will explore is simple yet full of flavor, carrying that unmistakable scent of childhood.

Necessary ingredients

- 300 g all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 7 g dry yeast
- 50 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg + 1 yolk
- 120 ml lukewarm milk
- 35 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- A handful of raisins (about 100 g)

Brief history

Muffins have their origins in baking traditions across Europe, evolving differently depending on the region. They became popular due to their versatility, being able to be filled with various fruits, chocolate, or nuts. The addition of raisins brings a sweet-tart contrast that makes every bite a true pleasure.

Step by step: How to make perfect raisin muffins

1. Preparing the ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients at room temperature. This is an essential step to ensure even fermentation of the dough. Sifting the flour is important to avoid lumps and to introduce air into the dough, making it fluffier.

2. Creating the starter

In a bowl, add the flour, egg, butter, salt, and sugar. These ingredients will form the base of your delicious muffins.

In another vessel, warm the milk until it is lukewarm (not hot, as it will kill the yeast). Add half a teaspoon of sugar and the dry yeast, stirring gently. Cover with a cloth and let it sit for 5 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This process is essential, as the activated yeast will help the muffins rise.

3. Mixing the ingredients

Once the starter is ready, add it to the flour mixture. Mix the ingredients well until you form a soft dough. This is the moment to showcase your kneading skills! Add a tablespoon of oil and knead the dough until it no longer sticks to your hands.

4. Dough rising

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for an hour in a warm place. This step is crucial, as the dough needs to double in volume to achieve a fluffy texture.

5. Incorporating the raisins

After the dough has risen, add the other tablespoon of oil and knead again. Sprinkle the raisins on the work surface and knead continuously to incorporate them evenly into the dough. If you want an even more interesting variation, you can soak the raisins in warm water or rum for 10 minutes to make them juicier.

6. Shaping the muffins

Divide the dough into 12 equal balls. You can use a scale for precision. Place the balls in a greased muffin tin, ensuring you leave space between them to rise. Let them rise in the tin for 30 minutes, again in a warm place.

7. Baking the muffins

Preheat the oven to 170°C. Once the muffins have risen, brush them with a mixture of egg yolk and a tablespoon of milk for a golden and appetizing crust. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 150°C and bake for another 10 minutes.

8. Cooling and serving

Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and place them on a clean towel to cool slightly. These muffins are delicious served warm, with butter and strawberry jam or even with vanilla cream. Think of a combination with a cup of tea or coffee for a moment of indulgence!

Useful tips

- If you want taller muffins, you can use a larger muffin tin and form only 6 dough balls.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for an extra flavor.
- You can replace raisins with chocolate or nuts to create delicious variations.

Nutritional information

Each muffin contains approximately 150 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats from the butter. Raisins add fiber and antioxidants, making these muffins a healthier choice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.

2. How can I store the muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them to enjoy later.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can add nuts, chocolate, or even pieces of dried fruit to vary the taste.

Enjoy every bite of these raisin muffins and let your imagination run wild with the variations you can try! Bon appétit!