Master Muffin Recipe

 From Sally's baking Addiction 

Yield: 12-14 muffins Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes, plus cooling

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Ingredients:

1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup (115g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar (or granulated)

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup (120g) sour cream or plain yogurt, at room temperature

1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup (60ml) milk (any kind), at room temperature

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with cupcake liners. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Set aside.

In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and beat on high until creamed, about 2 full minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute, then turn up to high speed until the mixture is combined and creamy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and beat on low speed until just about combined. Add the milk and continue to beat on low until combined.

Spoon the batter evenly into each cup or liner, filling each all the way to the top. Bake the muffins for 5 minutes at 425 then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Bake for an additional 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The total time these muffins take in the oven is about 22-23 minutes, give or take. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling.

Glazed muffins stay fresh stored in the refrigerator for 1 week, unglazed muffins stay fresh stored at room temperature for a few days-- then transfer to the fridge for up to 1 week.

Make ahead tip: For longer storage, freeze muffins for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature or warm up in the microwave if desired.

Recipe Notes/add-ins:

White Chocolate Raspberry Muffins - fold 1 cup raspberries + 3/4 cup white chocolate chips into the batter in step 4. Sprinkle muffin tops with coarse sugar before baking.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins - mix an additional 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon + 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg with the dry ingredients in step 2. Fold 1 cup peeled chopped apple + 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter in step 4. Sprinkle muffin tops with some oats before making.

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins - leave out cinnamon and use granulated sugar instead of brown. Mix 2 Tablespoons poppy seeds into the dry ingredients in step 2. Fold zest and juice from 2 medium lemons into the batter in step 4. Sprinkle muffin tops with coarse sugar before baking. Drizzle with lemon glaze after baking.

Mixed Berry Muffins - mix 1 and 1/2 cups mixed berries into the batter in step 4. Drizzle with lemon glaze after baking.

Chocolate Chip Streusel Muffins - fold 1 and 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter in step 4. Press crumbs down into muffin tops before baking.

For a jumbo muffin pan: 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for 22-23 minutes for a total of 27-28, give or take. Makes about 6.

For mini muffins: 350°F for 11-13 minutes. Makes 28-34, depending on which add-ins.