Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the muffins bake evenly and rise nicely.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
- Prepare the muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it with cooking spray. This will prevent the muffins from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures that the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of room temperature whole milk, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste (if using). Whisk until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tins
- Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. This allows room for the muffins to rise while baking.
Step 7: Add Topping
- If desired, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over the tops of the muffins for a sweet, crunchy topping.
Step 8: Bake the Muffins
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool
- Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their fluffy texture.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your milk and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a more uniform batter.
- Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your muffins! You can add chocolate chips, blueberries, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these fluffy vanilla muffins plain or with your favorite toppings:
- Spread with butter or cream cheese.
- Serve with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Conclusion
These fluffy vanilla muffins are a fantastic treat that’s simple to make and incredibly delicious. With their light, airy texture and sweet vanilla flavor, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for breakfast or a special gathering, these muffins are sure to impress. Happy baking!