Pioneer Woman French Breakfast Puffs 

These Pioneer Woman French Breakfast Puffs are soft, buttery muffins dipped in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar—like a warm donut in muffin form.
Baked with simple pantry ingredients and spiced with just a touch of nutmeg, they’re the ultimate cozy morning treat for brunch, holidays, or anytime you need something sweet and nostalgic.

Why You’ll Love This French Breakfast Puffs Recipe

• Like Donuts Without the Frying: Get all that cinnamon-sugar magic without deep frying.
• Quick & Easy: No yeast, no rising time—just mix, bake, dip, and enjoy.
• Soft, Fluffy Texture: Creamed butter and milk give these muffins a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Customizable: Add nutmeg, orange zest, or even a jam filling to make them your own.
• Perfect for Sharing: A crowd-pleaser for brunch tables, breakfast buffets, or cozy weekends at home.

Pioneer Woman French Breakfast Puffs Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• ⅔ cup butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• ⅓ cup melted butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

How to Make Pioneer Woman French Breakfast Puffs

1. Dip & Roll: While still warm, dip each puff top in melted butter, then roll generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
2. Prep Your Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
4. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy.
5. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.
6. Alternate Dry & Milk: Add dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the milk, mixing gently until a smooth batter forms.
7. Fill Muffin Cups: Divide batter evenly, filling each about ⅔ full.
8. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool Slightly: Let muffins sit in the tin for 2 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Expert Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and milk blend best when not cold.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the puffs light.
• Even Baking: Fill muffin cups evenly and rotate the pan halfway through baking.
• Dip While Warm: The butter and sugar coating sticks best to warm muffins.
• Make Mini Puffs: Use a mini muffin tin for two-bite versions—bake just 10–12 minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Mini Muffin Version: Reduce bake time to 10–12 minutes for bite-sized breakfast puffs.
• Jam-Filled Puffs: Add a spoonful of raspberry jam to the center before baking.
• Spice Swap: Try pumpkin spice, cardamom, or clove for a seasonal twist.
• Citrus Sugar: Add orange or lemon zest to the cinnamon sugar for brightness.
• Glazed Instead: Drizzle with a vanilla or maple glaze instead of cinnamon sugar.

Storage Instructions

• In the Fridge: Store cooled puffs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Best enjoyed fresh or lightly reheated.
• In the Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen for a warm treat anytime.

How to Reheat French Breakfast Puffs

• Microwave: Warm individual puffs for 20–30 seconds until soft and steamy.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for a crisp edge and soft center.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I make these without eggs?
  Yes, you can substitute eggs with ¼ cup applesauce or mashed banana per egg, though texture will be slightly denser.
• Can I use salted butter?
  Yes, just reduce the added salt slightly to keep the balance.
• Can I skip the cinnamon sugar topping?
  You can—but it’s what makes them special! Try powdered sugar or a citrus glaze instead.
• Can I bake these in mini muffin tins?
  Definitely. Just reduce bake time to about 10–12 minutes and check for doneness early.
• Can they be made ahead and frozen?
  Yes! Freeze them fully cooled, then warm as needed for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

More Pioneer Woman Recipe:

• Pioneer Woman Pistachio Cake
• Pioneer Woman White Texas Sheet Cake
• Pioneer Woman Peach Cobbler With Canned Peaches

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 233kcal 
• Carbohydrates: 33g 
• Protein: 3g 
• Fat: 10g 
• Saturated Fat: 6g 
• Cholesterol: 42mg 
• Sodium: 210mg 
• Potassium: 105mg 
• Fiber: 1g 
• Sugar: 18g 
• Calcium: 49mg 
• Iron: 1mg