Are you craving a delicious and easy-to-make treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack? Look no further! These fluffy sour cream muffins are incredibly simple to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. They’re the ultimate comfort food, boasting a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtly sweet flavor that will leave you wanting more. This recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy homemade cooking without spending hours in the kitchen. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup blueberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your perfectly baked muffins.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for perfectly fluffy muffins.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If adding mix-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips, gently fold them in now.
Step 5: Fill & Bake
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as ovens can vary.
Step 6: Cool & Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature – they're delicious either way!
Tips for the Best Sour Cream Muffins:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a lighter texture.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, your muffins are ready.
- Variations: Get creative! Add different mix-ins like chopped apples, cinnamon, or spices to create unique flavor combinations.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g
These are approximate values and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These fluffy sour cream muffins are a delightful addition to any meal or snack time. Their ease of preparation and delicious taste make them a perfect recipe for both novice and experienced bakers. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade baking!