Mazarin Muffins Recipe
Mazarin muffins are a delightful twist on the traditional Swedish mazarin tart, blending the rich almond flavor of the classic dessert into a convenient, muffin-sized treat. These muffins are perfect for anyone who loves almond pastries but prefers the ease and portability of muffins. Below is a step-by-step guide to making these delicious treats at home.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) ground almonds (almond flour)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) almond paste, crumbled
For the Almond Icing:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced almonds
- Fresh berries
- A dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin well to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, and then set the bowl aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This helps to create a smooth, well-emulsified batter. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense muffins.
- Fold in the almond paste: Gently fold in the crumbled almond paste, distributing it evenly throughout the batter. The almond paste adds a rich, sweet almond flavor that is essential to the mazarin muffin.
Step 2: Bake the Muffins
- Fill the muffin tins: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Fill each cup about two-thirds full to allow room for the muffins to rise.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
Step 3: Make the Almond Icing
- Prepare the icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. If the icing is too thick, add more milk, a little at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Ice the muffins: Once the muffins have cooled completely, drizzle the almond icing over the tops. You can use a spoon to drizzle the icing or dip the tops of the muffins directly into the bowl of icing for a more even coating.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Add garnishes: If desired, sprinkle the tops of the iced muffins with sliced almonds or fresh berries for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely finish.
- Serve: Mazarin muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They make an excellent treat for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Perfect Mazarin Muffins
- Use high-quality almond paste: The almond paste is a key ingredient in these muffins, so using a good-quality paste will greatly enhance the flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in tough muffins, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Adjust the icing: The thickness of the icing can be adjusted to your preference. For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner drizzle, add more.
These mazarin muffins offer the perfect balance of almond sweetness and buttery richness, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Enjoy!