French Breakfast Puffs: The Ultimate Light and Airy Pastry

Looking for a light, airy, and delicious breakfast treat that won’t derail your Weight Watchers plan? These French Breakfast Puffs are a perfect choice! Inspired by the classic French breakfast puff, these lighter versions are coated with a flavorful cinnamon-sugar topping, making them the ideal sweet morning bite. Not only are they low in points, but they’re also super simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe!

Ingredients

For the Muffins

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for added fiber)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit for fewer points)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup light butter, melted

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or sugar substitute)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp light butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Muffin Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or line with muffin liners to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, fat-free milk, granulated sugar (or substitute), vanilla extract, egg, and melted light butter. Whisk together until smooth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the puffs dense. The batter should be thick but spoonable.

5. Fill Muffin Tin

1. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

6. Bake

1. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

1. While the muffins are baking, mix together the cinnamon and sugar (or sugar substitute) in a small bowl.
2. Melt the light butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove.

8. Coat the Muffins

1. Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for just 5 minutes.
2. Brush each muffin with the melted butter and then roll or sprinkle them generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin, Makes 12 Muffins)

• Calories: 150
• WW Points: 4 points (using sugar substitute and fat-free milk)
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 4g

Why You’ll Love These French Breakfast Puffs

1. Delicious & Light: These puffs are soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet, making them an excellent breakfast treat without going over your points.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep: These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can even freeze them for longer storage.
3. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy instructions, these puffs are a breeze to whip up in the morning or the night before.
4. Versatile: You can swap out ingredients like the applesauce for mashed bananas, or even add nuts or dried fruit for a personalized twist.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the puffs dense and tough. Stir just enough to combine the ingredients, and your muffins will stay light and fluffy.
• Customize the Coating: Try adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar coating for extra flavor.
• Add-ins: If you like, you can add a handful of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Variations

• Banana Puffs: Replace the applesauce with mashed ripe bananas for a different flavor profile that’s just as sweet.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.
• Mini Muffins: If you’re looking for bite-sized snacks, you can make mini muffins instead of regular-sized ones. Bake for about 10-12 minutes.

Pairings

These French Breakfast Puffs go perfectly with:

• A cup of coffee, black tea, or herbal tea for a cozy morning.
• A side of fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or apple slices for a refreshing contrast.
• A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for extra protein.

These French Breakfast Puffs bring a delightful, healthier twist to a classic breakfast treat. They’re light, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, making them a delicious start to your day without blowing your points. Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast or as part of a special brunch, these puffs will become a go-to favorite in your Weight Watchers journey.