Mouthwatering muffins (and murder!)

Most baking mysteries feature recipes, and my Holly Holmes baking mysteries are no different. I tuck one of two at the back of all my paperback books as a treat for readers.

I'm no fancy baker, so the recipes are simple with easy-to-get ingredients. I've tested them all, and they're delicious.

Try the recipe below and let me know how they tasted in the comments.

Delicious Caramel Drizzled Muffins

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

A one-bowl recipe to give you delicious, moist, moreish muffins. Can be kept in a tin for 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months.

The recipe can be made dairy and egg-free. Substitute milk for a plant/nut alternative, use dairy-free spread, and mix 3 tbsp flaxseed with 1 tbsp water to create a flax 'egg' as a binding agent.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup (227g) buttermilk

1 large egg

1/4 cup (57g) canola or vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon caramel extract

1 cup (227g) light brown sugar – use less if you don’t have a sweet tooth

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons (270g) of all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Salted caramel, for drizzling (I use store bought Hershey’s or Carnation)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper cases or use silicone.
2. In a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave and set it to one side.
3. In a medium bowl, add the buttermilk, oil, egg, vanilla, and caramel and mix.
4. Add this mixture to the melted butter and whisk briefly.
5. Add the brown sugar and combine.
6. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and stir. Don’t overmix. The batter will be lumpy (this is fine.)
7. Add batter to muffin pan – ¾ full only.
8. Bake for 18 - 20 minutes until tops are domed and a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Allow muffins to cool for 10 minutes before removing.
10. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce. Don’t add the caramel until you’re ready to eat to avoid a soggy bottom.

Enjoy with a big mug of coffee or tea and a good book. Maybe even one from the Holly Holmes series. Try Cream Caramel and Murder for 0.99 in e-book or borrow if you have Kindle Unlimited. This nine-book culinary mystery series is set in an enchanting English paradise, and each cozy mystery features our sleuth, Holly Holmes, her cute dog, Meatball, and a cast of quirky villagers.