Fluffy Bakery-Style Muffins (Basic Muffin Recipe with Optional Raisins or Chocolate Chips)

 This simple, foolproof recipe yields 12 moist, tall, and golden muffins with a light and tender crumb. They are the perfect blank canvas for your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 large muffins

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs

• 125 ml (½ cup) vegetable oil (or canola/light olive oil)

• 250 ml (1 cup) milk (whole or 2%)

• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 360 g (3 cups) plain flour (all-purpose flour)

• 1 tablespoon baking powder (Note: This is the correct amount for tall, fluffy muffins)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 100 g (⅔ cup) optional add-ins: chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts

Directions

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This higher initial temperature is key for a tall, "bakery-style" dome. Line a 12-cup muffin tray with paper liners or grease it thoroughly with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously for about 1 minute until they are frothy. Add the vegetable oil, milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed for a uniform rise.

Step 4: Mix the Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture together. Mix only until the flour is just incorporated; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Over-mixing is the most common cause of tough, dense muffins.

Step 5: Add Mix-Ins (Optional)
If you are using chocolate chips or raisins, fold them in gently at this stage.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly between the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each cup all the way to the top. This is essential for getting that classic, domed bakery-style look.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Baker's Notes & Tips for Success

• Don't Over-mix: The secret to a tender, fluffy muffin is a lumpy batter. Over-mixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough texture.

• High Oven Temp Start: Beginning at a higher temperature (200°C/400°F) gives the muffins an initial powerful burst of steam, which helps create a tall, domed top. Reducing the heat partway through allows the insides to cook through without burning the tops.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the ingredients emulsify better, creating a smoother, more uniform batter.

• Customize Them: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins! Try fresh blueberries (tossed in a tablespoon of flour), dried cranberries, or a mix of white and dark chocolate chips. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking adds a delightful crunch.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade bakery-style muffins