English Muffins are incredibly easy to make. This recipe tastes just like the original name brand muffins only better. They aren't difficult to shape and they require no baking. Make up several batches and freeze them. They make wonderful English Muffin pizzas, breakfast toast, and Eggs Benedict.
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My thanks to Samuel Thomas
If I could, I would fill a basket full of our English Muffins, include some homemade pumpkin and apple butter, then deliver them to Samuel Bath Thomas with our deepest gratitude.
Why do you ask?
Because Mr. Thomas, in his attempt to make his mum's tea cake recipe, ended up with what we now know as English Muffins. We've enjoyed English muffins as part of our family breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
I certainly wish some of my culinary goof-ups turned out as well, how about you?
History of English Muffins
Here was Samuel Thomas, a lowly immigrant from England, living in the Chelsea area of New York City, trying to make a living working in a bread bakery. Then in 1880, he decided, as so many immigrants do, to be his boss and open his bakery.
He was going to include his mum's delicious tea cakes at his bakery. When his stab at making the tea cakes fell, so to speak, he decided to go with what he had and call it a "toaster crumpet."
His toaster crumpets were flatter than regular crumpets, and they were what we call fork-split. Can't you just see the wheels in his mind turning? By Jove (a little English there), he would take his little flat crumpets, sell them, and his customers were going to love them!
Failure turns into a discovery
Posh hotels immediately embraced the little flat muffins, and they ultimately became a regular in the American breakfast cuisine. Mr. Thomas also sold them to his customers and then eventually through grocery stores.
The trademark filing in 1926 stated that the name English muffin was first used in 1894. And to this day his recipe is still a secret. Apparently, only seven people know the trade secret that produces those delicious nooks and crannies on the English muffin. Who and how they pass on the secret is unknown.
Don't you love a mystery?? Wish I could solve this one.
English Muffin Ingredients
This formula produces a muffin that is very close in appearance and taste to the Thomas English muffins.
The yeast dough comprises of:
- milk - gives it a richer texture plus toasts better.
- coconut oil -helps tenderize and preserve the bread longer.
- instant yeast - leavening agent to help the muffins rise.
- sugar- feeds the yeast and makes the bread tender.
- salt - boosts the flavor and tightens the gluten structure.
- egg - helps in the bread rising plus the fat from the yolk helps to tenderize the crumb.
- bread flour- is the structure of the muffins or loaf. Bread flour contains more protein than all-purpose flour.
Instructions
Full instruction are in the recipe card below.
- You first mix the ingredients with a dough hook on a stand mixer and then finish kneading by hand.
- The dough needs to rise about 1 to 2 hours.
- Roll out the dough in a long rope like in the image.
- Instead of using a ring, like in crumpets, to make the beautiful round shape you first make a ball and then pat the dough into a 3-inch disk.
- Heat the pan and then cook first on one side.
- Then flip and cook on the other side.
Equipment for Muffins
BAKING SHEETS: You place the disks on two baking sheets that have cornmeal on them. Now, here is where the magic happens.
12-INCH CAST-IRON SKILLET: You need a 12-inch cast-iron skillet that you heat over medium heat. Coat the skillet with cooking spray and liberally sprinkle with cornmeal.
English Muffins Recipe easy to make
You have to work in batches. You cook the muffins until they are deep golden brown, about 5 to 9 minutes per side.
If they start to plump up in a dome fashion, just take a spatula and flatten them again.
The internal temperature of the English muffins should be at least 200° F. If not, finish them in a 350° oven for about 10 minutes.
Let them cool completely, then split open, toast and serve however you like. The best way to serve is not to cut with a knife but by poking all around with a fork.
You want the interior of the English muffins to keep their nooks and crannies (that is a term popularized by a Thomas' advertising campaign from the 1980's).
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
A large cast-iron skillet is a must in our house. It is so convenient for larger cuts of meat and for making these muffins. It heats up nicely and it can go from stove top to oven. We even use it on our grill to make Italian Chicken under a brick. Once you get used to using an cast iron skillet you'll wonder how you did without it.
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ORIGINAL ENGLISH MUFFINS RECIPE
This is a recipe you can make up ahead of time and freeze. So versatile you can eat the muffins any time of day. Our children loved them as pizza toast for a quick lunch or snack.
If you're looking for more quick morning breakfasts, our Nutritious Apple Oatmeal Muffins are just the thing. They even make a great snack for when you need a little pick-me-up.
And during berry season, whip up our recipe for Breakfast Baked Oatmeal with Berries and Bananas. You'll think you're eating dessert instead of something that's good for you.
If you're a egg and sausage lover, try our Breakfast Sausage Roll Recipe. This dish travels well and the sausage rolls are especially great for camping. And if you need a bit of spice in your life, the Breakfast Enchiladas are what you're looking for. So good! They'll certainly liven up your morning.
If you like this recipe please give it a 5-star rating.
📖 Recipe
English Muffins Start to Finish
Video
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups unbleached bread flour plus more for kneading
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast ¼-ounce packet
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk
- 2 ½ tablespoons coconut oil plus more for the bowl and dough
- Coarse cornmeal for sprinkling
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the egg but DON'T stir in yet.
- Heat the milk and coconut oil in a saucepan until a thermometer reads 110F. If the milk is too hot when you add it to the flour mixture, it will kill the yeast.
- Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Avoid pouring directly on the egg -- you don't want the hot milk to cook it.
- Using the dough hook, mix on medium speed until the dough comes together and starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl, 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula, if needed. The dough will look a little irregular in texture.
- Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, soft and elastic, 3 to 4 minutes. Shape into a ball and place in a large bowl lightly oiled with coconut oil; rub the top of the dough with a little more coconut oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until double in size, 1 to 2 hours.
- Sprinkle 2 baking sheets with cornmeal and set aside. After the dough rises, punch it down and divide into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a 3-inch disk. Place the disks on the baking sheets.
- Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Coat the skillet with cooking spray and liberally sprinkle with cornmeal. Working in batches, cook the muffins until they are deep golden brown, 5 to 9 minutes per side. If they start to rise in a domed fashion, flatten with a spatula. To check for doneness, the internal temperature of a muffin - take a thermometer and go into the side of the muffin. The temperature should be at least 200F. If it is not, finish in a 350F oven for about 10 minutes. Let the English muffins cool completely, then split open with a fork, toast and serve with whatever topping you like.
Notes
- Adapted from: "English Muffins" Food Network Magazine October 2015.
Nutrition
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ADS
Let them rise after shaping and they're FANTASTIC - best of 5 recipes I've tried so far!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Andrea! We certainly feel the same way. Hope you're having a great year so far. xoxo
Joan
Fabulous. They came out great. I'm so happy you talk about getting them to the right internal temperature. I struggle judging if bread is done inside. Yum!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Joan! Our instant-read thermometer is great for just that. Happy baking! xoxo
Susan
I have been making your English Muffin recipe for last few months, due to the pandemic. Glad I had the ingredients! I fry 8, and freeze 8, as we don’t eat 16 in a week. Love the recipe easy to make and delicious
Marisa Franca
Thank you for commenting, Susan. I'm glad you like the recipe. English Muffins are so handy to have on hand. One of my favorite recipes is making them into mini-pizzas. That's a quick lunch, for sure.
KariAnne Wood
I have never thought to make a homemade English muffin, this has intrigued me!! Thanks for sharing, can't wait to try this. Happy day!
karianne
Marisa Franca
It's really easy to do -- get your sweet kiddos to help!xoxo
Sean@Diversivore
These are amazing Marisa! I've always loved English Muffins, but I didn't really know much about how they were made. Consider this a very pleasant surprise. I'm going to have to work these into a regular rotation in our household (especially so that I can make more breakfast sandwiches!).
Denise
I never thought of making my own English muffins, and it looks fairly easy! I may attempt to try them one of these days.
Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life
English muffins with cheddar cheese and garlic salt is one of my favorite breakfast foods, but I never would have thought to make my own English muffins. You make it sounds so easy I might just have to give it a try after all!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Claire! I hope you make them -- you'll love how easy they are and better yet they taste so good. xoxo
Veronika's Kitchen
I love English muffins but never tried to make them myself! Thanks for the step by step tutorial, it make so much easier to follow and make this recipe!)
Analida Braeger
I eat these almost everyday , these look much fluffier though ! Thanks for sharing will try 🙂
Linda
I love all those nooks and crannies in English Muffins! I grew up on them too but never knew the story. This recipe is a lot like my Grandma's bread cakes, at least cooked the bread the same way, so I know I'm going to have to give this a try. It will be a sweet morning the day I have these!
Paula Montenegro
I used to eat Mr. Thomas English muffins every single morning! Love the story behind it, and the mystery too, haha, Wonderful recipe!
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
Will have to give these English muffins a try! They look even better than the store-bought ones! We love them in the morning. My favorite is with almond butter and homemade jam.
Eva
So glad I stumbled upon your post today! I got all obsessed with English muffins when I was in Canada, and I was never able to find them again anywhere I lived. I should definitely make my own, so it was a good reminder to read your blog, as well as get the recipe!
Tammy
I'm honestly blown away that you don't have to bake these and so, so excited! Your muffins look PERFECT, Marisa. I usually have English Muffins with my breakfast 🙂 Can't wait to try!
Tara Teaspoon
I LOVE english muffins! I had no idea there was so much history behind them, and they were the result of a mistake. How intriguing! I also really appreciate the great amount of detail you went into in the instructional portion of this post. I'm very excited to try this recipe!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Tara!! The recipe is really lots of fun to make and even more fun to eat. Let us know how it goes. xoxo
Aleta
I looooove english muffins! There isn't a lot better than a toasted english muffin with melty peanut butter and jam. Until now. I am so excited to make fresh, homemade english muffins and THEN load them with melty peanut butter and jam! Yum!
Sharon
I really like the idea of making English muffins right at home. This way I know exactly what goes into them instead of the store-bought ones.
Elaine Benoit
How fun! I didn't know the history of the EM. That was a fun read. My mom made English muffins a lot but I didn't get her recipe before she passed. I can't wait to try yours, they look perfect.
michelle
I didn;t know english muffins were made this way, Loved reading up on the background of this dish 🙂
Jenni LeBaron
Cooking these in a cast iron skillet rather than just baking them is brilliant! They look like they get the best crispy outside like a traditional English muffin, but I am positive that these are better than anything you could buy in the store!
Veena Azmanov
I love English muffins and this looks like the best tutorial I have seen. So detailed. Love the way you write your recipes Marisa. You leave nothing out to guess. Thanks
Mirlene
It's amazing how some failures can be a great success. Thank you for the history lesson. I had no clue of the origin of the English muffin. You have done a swell job with this recipe.
Claudia Lamascolo
Fabulous instructions. The only thing better than this post would be for me to be in the kitchen with you showing me! great job! Marisa.. I love english muffins . going to tackle these soon
Carole
I have 3.5% Homogenized milk. Will that work.
Also, can I use any other oil like Canola, Olive Oil, Vegetable oil etc.?
Marisa Franca
Hi, Carole! As far as the oil goes, Coconut oil at room temperature is solid and the other oils are not. I don't know if it would do anything to the structure of the dough and the final product. A solid shortening might work out but we like our coconut oil and the taste. The milk here in the states is 3.25% Homogenized milk so your milk would be fine. If you decide to experiment, I'd love to know how it turns out.
Veena Azmanov
I love English Muffins but have not eaten them in for ever. I love reading about history of food. This recipe looks so good Marisa. I can't wait to try it.
Marisa Franca
Why not make some, Veena? You won't regret it. They are easy. And of course, they taste so much better.
Carol Borchardt
This was so educational! I did not know that English muffins were cooked on a the stovetop! So cool!
Marisa Franca
Thank you Carol. I've seen recipes where it looks like pancakes and we've stayed away from that!These were easy.
Diane
Marissa, these English muffins look so good I'm ready to start baking right now! I have never attempted these. Your directions look very clear. I'll give them a go. Thanks for the fun history lesson. I've never considered these were a baker's fail! Great fail!
Marisa Franca
Hi Diane! Let me know how your muffins turn out. On our first attempt they were great. Have a nice weekend.
Noor
I've never heard of Samuel Thomas before. And I've never had English Muffins. Yes! I know! But that's about to change. I'm going to bake these right now!
Marisa Franca
Hi Noor! You are in for a great experience! English muffins are so versatile they make a perfect lunch. Let me know how you fixed them once they were baked. 🙂
Florentina
These look fantastic ! I never made english muffins before, now I'm determined !
Marisa Franca
You'll love doing it Florentina!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
Love the English muffin story! Never knew 🙂 These look so good - I'd love to enjoy one this weekend! I'm pinning this to try sometime - thanks!
Marisa Franca
You're welcome Patricia! They are fun to make -- you never need to run out.
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche
It's funny that you guys call these English muffins, because they look quite different to the muffins we have in the UK haha, yours look much fluffier, ours are quite dense. These do look completely delicious though, so you can't argue with that 😀
Marisa Franca
Hi Becca!! Well, I think the only reason Samuel called them English was because he was attempting to recreate his mum's recipe so instead of falling flat like a crumpet 🙂 they rose like a muffin. And there history was made.
Oana @AdoreFoods
In our family, English muffins are a must! My daughter loves them a bit toasted, with mash avocado and prosciutto for breakfast. I am going to make a batch this weekend 🙂 Store bought ones are not that great at all. Thank you for sharing it!
Marisa Franca
You're welcome Oana! We love the muffins versatility - breakfast, lunch, snacks, etc. I bet your family will love them.
Ciao Chow Linda
I've never even though to make my own English muffins but these look far superior to any you could buy - and I'll bet they taste even better than they look.
Marisa Franca
Thank you Linda -- I bet you could think up lots of goodies to add to the dough to come up with some original English muffins. They were lots of fun to make.
Wendi Spraker
Wow Marissa! These muffins look TERRIFIC! It is so funny because I was just considering looking up a recipe for English Muffins myself! Look no further!! Thanks for a terrific recipe!
Marisa Franca
Hi Wendi!! These muffins won't disappoint you at all. They are super easy and super delicious!
Sharee @ Savory Spicerack
Whoa! You just made english muffins from start to finish! And they look better than what I can buy from the store! Pinning!
Marisa Franca
Hi Sharee! You'll have fun making them and more fun eating them 🙂
Frank
These looks delicious, Marisa. I had no idea that English muffins were griddled not baked, but thinking about it now it makes perfect sense. And makes them sound even more delicious! But I have to say, when I read the title I was hoping you'd finally reveal the secret behind those nooks and crannies... 😉
Marisa Franca
Hi Frank!! I think that is one of the secrets that the 7 people know. I'll have to do some investigating 🙂 If I find out I'll make it public. If you do use a fork to split you'll get some.
Molly Kumar
These look so crisp , fresh and teh recipe looks really simple. I Love them as anytime snack 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi Molly! You'll have to make your own. Once you do, it's hard going back to store bought!
Donna
Oh wow, I haven't had a fresh English muffin in years, these sound delicious! And I want some of that pumpkin and apple butter to go with them too please 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi Donna, you'll have to make some English muffins -- they'll be so fresh and yummy. Pumpkin and apple butter will be coming up in the fall. Have a great day!
Chiara
hanno un aspetto delizioso questi muffins, segno la ricetta Marisa! Un abbraccio
Marisa Franca
Grazie Chiara! If you make them, let me know how you like the recipe. Abbracci!!
Gabby
These look amazing! I love me some English muffins! I will have to try making these!
Marisa Franca
You've got to make them Gabby. The first time we made them we were really surprised how easy and good they turned out!
annie@ciaochowbambina
I've made English muffin bread before but never muffins. I love everything about this post, Marisa. Thanks for the insight on one of my favorite eats. PS) If you're still hankering to fill a lovely basket and make a delivery, I'll more than happily accept your offer. 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi Annie! Thank you for your sweet compliment. Next time we make the English muffins, I'll remember your basket offer 🙂 Have a wonderful day! 🙂
michele
The history of recipes always fascinates me! Reading this makes me want to eat breakfast for dinner..... I pinned this to try very soon!
Marisa Franca
Hi Michele! I know how you feel. Breakfast is one of my favorite meals which include having an Enlish muffin with it.
Lisa at celebrate creativity
Hi Marisa, these look amazing! It has never occurred to me to make my own English muffins. I love these. Yours turned out beautifully. I'm definitely going to give these a try and I'll let you know how mine turn out.
Nice pictures and easy step by steps.
Hope you have a wonderful week.
Marisa Franca
Hi Lisa! Thank you and I know your will turn out beautifully. They are so easy and I am wanting to try some variations. We like the plain because you can do so much with them. Hope you have a great week too.
nicole (thespicetrain.com)
I love English muffins but have never even tried to make them myself. Yours look absolutely perfect, thank you for sharing, Marisa! 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi Nicole! I hope you do try the recipe -- I can see you making them with all sorts of fantastic spices and fruit and then the photos I'm sure would be incredible. Let me know if you try the recipe and what you think.
Christie
I asked for some English muffins cups last year and have never used them. You are inspiring me to finally make homemade English muffins
Marisa Franca
Hi Christie! We bought some English muffin rings along with a prepared mix from King Arthur -- we weren't impressed. We loved this recipe and it doesn't take any kind of pan or rings!! Hope you like the recipe.
April @ Girl Gone Gourmet
We buy Thomas' English Muffins all the time - love learning the history of the company! 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi April! I thought it was a really cute story. I can picture him, in the bakery, trying out the recipe and seeing how it turned out. We use to buy the Thomas English muffins too -- now we make our own 🙂
Sherri @ Watch Learn Eat
I've never made English muffins from scratch. They look soooo delicious! Great recipe!
Marisa Franca
Thank you Sherri! You'll have to try them from scratch -- they are really easy and fun.
Ali @ Home & Plate
Homemade english muffins? WOW....I had now idea they were this easy to make. I am a big fan and will have to give this recipe a try soon.
Marisa Franca
Hi Ali! We are big fans of English muffins too -- when I was on Weight Watchers -- many years ago, I lived on pizza muffins for lunch.
Jovina Coughlin
I love homemade English muffins. They taste so fresh and delicious. Your recipe looks so good and the directions are very easy to follow. Great post to read over my breakfast coffee.
Marisa Franca
Hello Jovina! Just think of all of the different flavors you could make 🙂 I like plain because I like using them for tuna melts, pizza toast, eggs Benedict 🙂 but I think cinnamon raise would be good too.
Rosemary@anitalianinmykitchen.com
Oh my gosh Marisa I love English Muffins, now for sure I am going to give them a go. Thanks for sharing.
Marisa Franca
Hi Rosemary! You're welcome. Let me know how they turn out for you. Have a great day!
Simply Suzannes at Home
Fantastic!
I haven't had an English Muffin in forever, and seeing the photos of yours is making me crave them.
I don't even think my kids have tried them. Thinking I'll need to pick some up this week!!
I loved reading the history behind them, and your tutorial is great!!
I can only imagine how amazing these taste right out of the pan. Yum!!
Thanks for sharing, sweet Marisa!
Sure wish I was your neighbor :0)
Hope your week is great!
Marisa Franca
Hi Suzanne!! Split the muffin in half, toast it, put some pizza sauce on them with a sprinkle of mozzarella and stick under the broiler for a few seconds. Lunch is served. The pizza toast is wonderful with a bowl of soup. Also tuna melts are delicious done with the muffins. I sure wish you were my neighbor too 🙂 Just think of the mischief we could get into -- and of the course the cooking and baking 🙂 Have a great day!