Pecan Pie Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with just five basic ingredients commonly found in most kitchens.
• Quick and Easy: Requires minimal preparation time, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Treat: Suitable for various occasions, from casual breakfasts to festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, beaten

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Cups:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Generously grease mini or regular muffin cups to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Stir until well mixed.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and beaten eggs until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
5. Fill Muffin Cups:
   • Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake:
   • Bake for 12-13 minutes for mini muffins or 15-17 minutes for regular-sized muffins.
   • Keep an eye on them to ensure they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Once baked, run a knife around the edge of each muffin to loosen them from the pan.
   • Pop them out and let them cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Approximately 12 regular-sized muffins
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

1. Chocolate Pecan Pie Muffins:
   • Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, chocolatey twist. Stir in about 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips along with the pecans.
2. Maple Pecan Muffins:
   • Substitute maple syrup for part of the brown sugar to add a lovely maple flavor. Replace 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1/4 cup of maple syrup.
3. Coconut Pecan Muffins:
   • Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter. Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut with the pecans for a tropical touch.
4. Spiced Pecan Pie Muffins:
   • Enhance the flavor with warm spices. Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced muffin.
5. Caramel Pecan Muffins:
   • Drizzle caramel sauce over the muffins before baking. You can also swirl some caramel into the batter for a gooey, sweet surprise.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature:
  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration:
  • For longer storage, place the muffins in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezing:
  • Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Reheating:
  • To reheat, microwave individual muffins for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How can I tell when the muffins are done?

The muffins are done when they are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I reduce the sugar content?

Reducing the sugar may affect the texture and sweetness. If you choose to do so, adjust to your taste but be aware of potential changes in the final product.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing?

Yes, they freeze well. Ensure they are properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Can I add fruit to this recipe?

Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can be added for extra flavor. Fresh fruits may add too much moisture.

Do I need to toast the pecans before adding them?

Toasting the pecans can enhance their flavor, but it’s optional.

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