What is the difference between brown sugar and white cane sugar?

The main difference is the addition of molasses. White sugar is pure sucrose. Brown sugar is white sugar with molasses added back into it. This molasses gives brown sugar its color, moisture, and distinct flavor.

Why is brown sugar brown?

Brown sugar gets its brown color from the molasses content. The amount of molasses added back determines whether it is light or dark brown sugar.

Can I make my own brown sugar?

Yes, you can create a simple brown sugar substitute at home. Just mix 1 cup of white granulated sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of molasses. For light brown sugar, use 1 tablespoon. For dark brown sugar, use 2 tablespoons. Mix them together thoroughly until the sugar is uniformly colored and moist.

Could I use oil instead of butter in this recipe?

While butter adds unique flavor and tenderness, you can often substitute oil for melted butter in muffin recipes like this. However, using oil will change the flavor profile slightly and may result in a texture that is slightly less rich or tender compared to using butter. If you need a substitution, a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil would be the best choice.

How long do these muffins stay fresh?

When stored correctly at room temperature, these muffins are typically best enjoyed within about three days.

Can I add frozen fruit like blueberries?

Absolutely. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first. Toss the frozen blueberries with a tablespoon or two of flour before gently folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins and keeps the batter from turning gray.

Can I make these into mini muffins?

Yes, you can make mini brown sugar muffins. Adjust the baking time accordingly; mini muffins will bake much faster, likely in the range of 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them and use the toothpick test to check for doneness.

The BEST Soft Brown Sugar Muffins (Easy Recipe!)

Name: The BEST Soft Brown Sugar Muffins (Easy Recipe!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup packed (210 grams) light brown sugar; ½ cup (120 grams) melted butter, salted or unsalted; 1 large egg; 1 cup (240 ml) milk; 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract; 2 cups spooned and leveled (260 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda; ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) salt

Description

These Brown Sugar Muffins are incredibly moist and bursting with warm brown sugar flavor. They make a simple yet delicious treat, perfect for a quick breakfast, a sweet snack, or brunch!

Ingredients

1 cup packed (210 grams) light brown sugar
½ cup (120 grams) melted butter, salted or unsalted
1 large egg
1 cup (240 ml) milk
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
2 cups spooned and leveled (260 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
¼ teaspoon (1 gram) salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a standard 12 cup muffin tin. Grease the cups or line them with paper liners. If you are making 16 muffins, prepare a second tin or grease additional cups as needed.
In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir them together until well mixed.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix the batter just until everything is combined. Do not overmix. If you are adding nuts, stir them in now.
Portion the batter into the prepared muffin cups. For 16 muffins, fill each cup about two thirds full. For 12 muffins, fill the cups almost to the top. Bake the muffins for 15 to 20 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Notes

Recipe Variations: This basic recipe is very simple and versatile. You can easily add various mix-ins or make small changes to create new flavors.
- Some delicious additions to this brown sugar muffin recipe include finely chopped or grated apple, chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, fresh blueberries, quick oats, or dried fruit like raisins or dried cranberries.
- The recommended amount for each mix-in varies depending on the ingredient. For apple, dried fruit, or oats, use about half a cup. For blueberries, chocolate chips, or cinnamon chips, use about half a cup to one cup. For chopped nuts, about a quarter cup works well. Feel free to experiment with more or less based on your preference.
- For a muffin with a richer molasses flavor, you can replace the light brown sugar with dark brown sugar.
Cinnamon Muffin Variation: It is easy to turn these into delicious brown sugar cinnamon muffins.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter along with the other dry ingredients.
- After the muffins come out of the oven, melt two tablespoons of butter. Brush the tops of the warm muffins with the melted butter.
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of white sugar and half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Generously sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered tops of the muffins.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 muffin
Calories: 177
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 179mg
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 28mg