The BEST Basic Muffin Recipe

Basic Muffin Recipe showing plain and simple muffin recipe on cooling rack.

The BEST Basic Muffin Recipe

This BEST Basic Muffin Recipe is a plain batter yielding soft, yummy muffins that are easy to jazz up with your favorite add-ins...berries, diced fruit, chocolate, raisins, nuts, coconut, and more! For muffins that are infinitely customizable, this is the only recipe you'll ever need!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings muffins

Calories 181kcal

Author Samantha Skaggs

Ingredients

3 cups flour all-purpose white OR whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature
2 eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Up to 2 cups of add-ins optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line 16 to 18 muffin cups with paper liners (see Notes below).
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Work in the softened butter with a fork or pastry cutter. Blend in the eggs, milk, and vanilla until all ingredients are incorporated. Stir in desired add-ins, but do not overmix. Evenly divide the batter between the prepared muffin cups.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the muffins just test done with a toothpick, taking care not to overbake. After a few minutes, remove the muffins from the pans and cool on a wire rack, or eat them warm out of the oven with a pat of salted butter.

Video

Notes

Made as directed, this basic muffin batter (without any add-ins) will probably yield 15 or 16 muffins. If you mix in 1 to 2 cups of add-ins, the yield should increase to 18 muffins.
Store (completely cool) muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, transfer the container to the refrigerator.
Add-In Ideas: berries, diced fresh fruit, raisins or other dried fruit, chocolate chips, coconut, chopped nuts, granola, etc.

Nutrition