Homemade English Muffins (Printable Version)

Soft, airy muffins with golden crusts and classic nooks and crannies, perfect for breakfast with your favorite toppings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 cups bread flour
02 - 1 1/4 cups whole milk, lukewarm
03 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
04 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
05 - 1 tsp fine sea salt
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

→ For greasing and dusting

07 - 1 tbsp neutral oil or extra butter, for greasing
08 - 2 tbsp cornmeal or semolina, for dusting

# How To Make It:

01 - Dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm milk. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
02 - Combine bread flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center, pour in yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
03 - Turn out onto floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use mixer with dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
04 - Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, cover with towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
05 - Punch down dough and transfer to floured surface. Roll out to 3/4 inch thickness. Using 3-inch round cutter, cut circles. Reroll scraps to yield 8 muffins.
06 - Dust baking sheet with cornmeal or semolina. Place muffins on sheet, spacing slightly apart. Sprinkle tops lightly with more cornmeal.
07 - Cover loosely and let proof for 25-30 minutes until slightly puffed.
08 - Preheat skillet or griddle over low-medium heat. Lightly grease with oil or butter. Cook muffins in batches for 7-9 minutes per side, flipping once, until deeply golden and cooked through to 200°F internal temperature.
09 - Transfer to rack to cool. Split with a fork for signature nooks and crannies. Toast and enjoy with butter, jam, or favorite toppings.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The homemade version creates those perfect craggy pockets that store-bought only pretends to have
  • Once you taste the difference, warm from your own skillet, you will never go back
02 -
  • Splitting with a fork instead of a knife is what creates those signature rough interior pockets
  • The interior needs to reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit, so cook low and slow rather than rushing with high heat
03 -
  • Cornmeal on both sides prevents sticking and adds that restaurant-style crunch
  • A cast iron skillet holds heat evenly and creates the most consistent browning

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