What is a French breakfast pastry called?

A French breakfast pastry is commonly referred to as a viennoiserie . This term includes classic French pastries like croissants, pain au chocolat, brioche, and pain aux raisins . Viennoiseries are known for their buttery, flaky texture and are often enjoyed with coffee in the morning.

What is a typical French breakfast menu?

A typical French breakfast (le petit déjeuner) is usually light and consists of: Pastries or bread: Croissants, pain au chocolat, or a baguette with butter and jam (tartine). Beverage: Café au lait (coffee with milk), hot chocolate, or tea. Juice or fruit: Often orange juice or fresh fruit. Unlike heavier American breakfasts, the French prefer a simple, quick, and often sweet breakfast.

What is a French breakfast roll called?

A French breakfast roll can be called a brioche or a pain au lait . Brioche is a soft, slightly sweet, buttery bread roll often eaten with jam or chocolate spread. Pain au lait is a milk bread roll that is light, fluffy, and mildly sweet.

What are French breakfast muffins?

French breakfast muffins, often referred to as French Breakfast Puffs , are soft, muffin-like pastries coated in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar . Despite the name, they are more of an American creation inspired by French pastries rather than an authentic French dish. They have a light, cake-like texture similar to a brioche muffin but without the need for yeast.

Why are my puffs too dense?

Overmixing the batter or not using fresh baking powder can make them dense. Mix just until combined and check your baking powder’s expiration date.

Can I use a mini muffin tin?

Absolutely! Use a mini muffin pan and bake for 10–12 minutes for bite-sized puffs.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Bake them a day ahead and reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes before serving.

French Breakfast Puffs: A Delicious Morning Treat

Name: French Breakfast Puffs: A Delicious Morning Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but recommended); ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup milk; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Description

French Breakfast Puffs are soft, muffin-like pastries coated in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar. They have a tender, fluffy texture and a warm, buttery flavor that makes them the perfect morning treat. These delightful pastries are easy to make, require simple pantry ingredients, and can be customized with different flavors. Serve them warm with coffee or tea for an irresistible breakfast or brunch indulgence!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Puffs

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven & prepare the muffin pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Cream butter & sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This helps create an airy texture.
Add egg & vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Combine wet & dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the puffs light.
Fill the muffin cups
Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
Bake the puffs
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating
While the puffs are baking, melt the butter in a small bowl. In another dish, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
Coat the puffs
Once the puffs are slightly cooled, dip each one in melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serve & enjoy
Serve warm with coffee or tea for the best flavor and texture!

Notes

Make them ahead: These puffs can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Freezing option: Freeze uncoated puffs for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C), then coat with butter and cinnamon sugar.
Flavor variations: Add mini chocolate chips, orange zest, or chopped nuts for a unique twist.
Healthier version: Use whole wheat flour, reduce sugar, and swap butter for Greek yogurt or applesauce to lighten them up.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, French-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 puff
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: French Breakfast Puffs, cinnamon sugar muffins, easy breakfast pastry, homemade muffins, baked breakfast treats