Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making your own English muffins at home has never been easier or more satisfying. With just five simple ingredients and a no-knead method, this recipe allows you to enjoy warm, freshly baked muffins without any hassle. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a low-effort, high-reward breakfast or brunch option, these English muffins have that perfect nooks-and-crannies texture and are versatile enough for toasting, spreading with butter, or using in a breakfast sandwich. Whether you’re craving a comforting treat or a homemade gift for friends and family, these no-knead English muffins are the answer.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 cups warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)

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

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Do not knead—the dough should be shaggy and sticky.

4. Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Preheat the Griddle or Pan: Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat.

6. Shape and Cut the Dough: Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it down to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a round cutter or glass, cut out the English muffins.

7. Cook the English Muffins: Place the cut muffins onto the preheated griddle or pan. Cook each side for about 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown. Make sure both sides are thoroughly cooked.

8. Cool: Allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack.

9. Split and Toast: Once cooled, use a fork to split the muffins in half. Toast them and serve with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.

Enjoy your homemade 5-Ingredient No-Knead English Muffins!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields about 8-10 English muffins, depending on the size of your cutters.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (not including rise time)

• Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes

• Rise Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Variations

1. Whole Wheat English Muffins: Swap half or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier version.

2. Add-ins: Feel free to add ingredients like raisins, dried cranberries, or cinnamon to give your muffins a fun twist.

3. Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with plant-based options.

4. Cheese and Herb Muffins: Add shredded cheese and finely chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory muffin perfect for sandwiches.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Toast frozen muffins directly from the freezer, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. You can skip the proofing step (activating in warm milk) and directly mix the yeast with the dry ingredients.

2. How do I know if my yeast is still good?

To test if your yeast is active, mix it with warm water and a little sugar. If it becomes frothy within 5-10 minutes, it’s good to go.

3. Can I make this dough the night before?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight for a slower rise. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and cooking.

4. What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky to handle, add a bit more flour to the surface while shaping it, but be careful not to add too much. The dough should remain a little sticky.

5. Can I bake these muffins in the oven instead of using a griddle?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

6. What’s the best way to split an English muffin?

To get the signature nooks and crannies, use a fork to split the muffin instead of a knife.

7. Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Yes, you can use a smaller cutter to make mini English muffins. Just adjust the cooking time, reducing it to 4-5 minutes per side.

8. How do I ensure the muffins cook evenly on both sides?

Make sure the griddle or pan is preheated and that you’re cooking over medium heat. You can also flip the muffins halfway through to ensure both sides brown evenly.

9. Can I freeze the dough before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Shape it, freeze it, and then thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.

10. What are some fun toppings for English muffins?

Butter, jam, honey, avocado, or poached eggs make great toppings. You can get creative based on your preferences.

Conclusion

These 5-Ingredient No-Knead English Muffins are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the delight of homemade baked goods without the hassle of complex techniques or long preparation times. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you can create delicious, golden brown muffins with that iconic texture that makes English muffins so irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or transforming them into a savory breakfast sandwich, these homemade muffins are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!