I’ve been dreaming about these Cinnamon-Kissed Mini French Breakfast Puffs for days now. There’s something magical about biting into a warm, tender puff with that perfect crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating. Not quite a donut, not quite a muffin, but somehow better than both. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or deep-frying skills to make these little bites of heaven. Want to know the secret to getting that perfect texture that’ll make your family think you spent hours in the kitchen?
Why You’ll Love these Cinnamon-Kissed Mini French Breakfast Puffs
Nostalgia and comfort come together in these irresistible little breakfast treats.
There’s something magical about biting through that crisp, cinnamon-sugar coating into a tender, nutmeg-spiced interior. They’re like donut holes, but way easier to make. No frying required!
I’m particularly fond of their versatility. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or quick weekday treats.
The best part? That moment when warm puffs meet the melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar. Heavenly.
And who doesn’t love a breakfast that doubles as dessert?
What Ingredients are in Cinnamon-Kissed Mini French Breakfast Puffs?
These little bites of heaven require simple pantry staples that most home bakers already have on hand.
- 1/3 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup sugar (for the batter)
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (for coating)
The quality of your cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in these breakfast puffs, so if you have some fancy Vietnamese or Ceylon cinnamon hiding in your spice cabinet, now’s the time to break it out.
How to Make these Cinnamon-Kissed Mini French Breakfast Puffs
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F and take a moment to grease 15 muffin cups. This step is essential for guaranteeing your breakfast puffs pop out easily after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Base Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/3 cup shortening, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 egg until light and fluffy.
This creates the foundation for our tender puffs, and the more air you incorporate at this stage, the lighter your breakfast treats will be.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg in a separate bowl.
The nutmeg adds that classic warm flavor that makes these puffs irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
This alternating method prevents the batter from becoming too dense or overworked.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups
Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
The batter might seem a bit thick, but that’s exactly what we want for these little puffs.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the puffs are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
The kitchen will smell absolutely divine at this point.
Step 7: Prepare the Coating
While the puffs are baking, mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl, and melt 1/2 cup butter in another.
This coating is what transforms these from ordinary muffins into extraordinary breakfast puffs.
Step 8: Roll and Coat
While the puffs are still hot from the oven, roll each one in the melted butter and then in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Working quickly guarantees the coating sticks beautifully, creating that signature crackly, sweet exterior.
For optimal results when creaming the butter and sugar, using a premium stand mixer will help incorporate more air into your batter for exceptionally light and fluffy breakfast puffs.
What to Serve with Cinnamon-Kissed Mini French Breakfast Puffs
These warm, buttery puffs shine brightest when served as part of a cozy breakfast spread.
Pair them with a bowl of fresh berries or sliced fruit to balance their sweetness with a touch of tartness. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla yogurt makes a lovely accompaniment for dipping.
For beverages, nothing complements these cinnamon treasures better than a strong cup of coffee or hot chocolate—the bitter notes in coffee particularly cut through the richness.
If you’re hosting brunch, consider adding some savory elements like crispy bacon or a simple egg scramble to round out the meal.
And remember, these puffs are best enjoyed warm, when the cinnamon-sugar coating is still slightly crisp against the tender interior.
Cinnamon-Kissed Mini French Breakfast Puffs Substitutions and Variations
- Butter for shortening: For a richer flavor, swap the shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter.
- Dietary adjustments: Make these gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free versions, use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
- Spice it up: Replace nutmeg with cardamom or pumpkin pie spice. In fall, add 1/4 teaspoon of cloves for a warming touch.
- Sweet twists: Fold in 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the batter. For citrus lovers, add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest.
- Topping variations: Try a maple-sugar coating instead of cinnamon sugar. Or create a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk for a different take.
- Miniaturize: Use mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats—just reduce baking time to 12-15 minutes.
Leftovers and Storage for these Cinnamon-Kissed Mini French Breakfast Puffs
These delightful little puffs are at their absolute best when served warm from the oven, with that perfect contrast between the tender interior and the buttery, cinnamon-sugar coating.
But life happens, and sometimes we need to save some for later!
Store completely cooled puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe bag.
To refresh, warm refrigerated puffs in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. For frozen puffs, thaw at room temperature, then warm. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave works in a pinch, though you might lose some of that delightful crisp exterior.
Pro tip: Store puffs in a single layer to prevent the cinnamon sugar coating from getting soggy or rubbing off.
Final Thoughts
These Mini French Breakfast Puffs capture everything wonderful about homemade breakfast treats – tender, nutmeg-scented interiors wrapped in that irresistible butter-cinnamon-sugar coating that takes me right back to childhood kitchen memories.
They’re perfect for those mornings when cereal just won’t cut it, yet simple enough to whip up while the coffee brews.
Weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any day that needs a little extra comfort, these little puffs deliver.
There’s something magical about biting through that sweet, spiced exterior into the soft center that makes ordinary mornings feel special, no matter the season or occasion.