Pecan Pie Muffins Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chopped pecans
– 2/3 cup butter, softened
– 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
1. **Preparation:**
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Generously grease your muffin cups, whether you’re using mini or regular-sized muffin tins, to ensure easy removal of the muffins once baked.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
In a medium bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans. Stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed. This step ensures that the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the batter, providing a consistent flavor in every bite.
3. **Prepare Wet Ingredients:**
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The butter should be softened to room temperature for easier mixing, resulting in a more homogeneous batter.
4. **Combine Ingredients:**
Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl with the butter and eggs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tougher muffins, whereas a gentle mix ensures a tender crumb.
5. **Fill and Bake:**
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows room for the muffins to rise during baking. Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven. For mini muffins, bake for 12-13 minutes; for regular-sized muffins, bake for 15-17 minutes. The muffins should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. **Cool and Serve:**
Once baked, run a knife around the edge of each muffin to loosen it from the tin, then gently pop the muffins out. Serve the pecan pie muffins warm for the best taste experience, as the gooey center and crunchy pecans are most enjoyable when fresh out of the oven.
**Notes:**
– Make sure to grease the muffin cups thoroughly to prevent sticking.
– For a gooier pecan pie-like center, consider under-baking the muffins slightly.
– These muffins can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.