For the fluffiest muffins, ensure that ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily into the batter and creates a smoother consistency.
Use measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts. Too much flour can make muffins dense, while too little can affect their rise. For best results, weigh your ingredients if possible.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl before adding them to the wet ingredients. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents uneven rising.
Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Over-mixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to dense and tough muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Expired leavening agents can result in muffins that don’t rise properly or have a dense texture.
Gently fold in any additional ingredients like fruit or nuts to avoid deflating the batter. This helps maintain the air pockets that contribute to a fluffy texture.
Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking. A preheated oven ensures that muffins start cooking immediately, which helps them rise properly.
Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full with batter to allow room for the muffins to rise without spilling over. Using paper liners or greasing the pans can also help with easy removal.