Light, airy, and delicately crisp, these Cinnamon Sugar Popovers offer a delightful twist on the traditional popover. With a warm spice from ground cinnamon and a touch of sweetness, these golden-brown treats make an ideal addition to a cozy breakfast or a comforting dessert spread. Whether enjoyed straight from the oven or dusted with a little extra sugar, they’re an irresistible combination of texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Popovers are the perfect balance of simple and satisfying. You’ll love how the outside crisps up while the inside remains soft, tender, and hollow—perfect for soaking up butter or a drizzle of honey. These popovers are made with pantry staples, require minimal effort, and are a crowd-pleasing addition to any brunch table or morning routine. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and adaptable for sweet or savory preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing
- Popover pan (or muffin tin, if needed)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the empty popover pan in the oven for 5 minutes to preheat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and warm milk until well blended.
- Add the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Stir in the melted butter and granulated sugar. Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes.
- Remove the hot pan from the oven and generously grease each cup with butter or nonstick spray.
- Fill each cup just under halfway with batter.
- Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 15 minutes. Avoid opening the oven during baking.
- Once golden and puffed, remove the popovers from the oven and gently take them out of the pan. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 popovers
- Calories per Serving: 165 kcal
Variations
- Mini Popovers: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized versions. Adjust baking time by reducing it by about 5–10 minutes.
- Savory Twist: Omit the cinnamon and sugar, and add herbs or shredded cheese for a savory variation.
- Filled Popovers: Once baked, inject or spoon in cream cheese, fruit preserves, or pastry cream for a surprise inside.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with almond milk and use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the popovers to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
FAQs
What makes popovers rise and puff up?
Popovers puff up due to steam created from the high moisture content in the batter. The hot oven quickly generates steam, causing the batter to expand and create a hollow center.
Can I make this recipe without a popover pan?
Yes, a muffin tin can be used as a substitute. The shape may differ slightly, but the results will still be delicious.
Why is it important not to open the oven while baking?
Opening the oven releases steam and lowers the temperature, which can cause the popovers to collapse before they are fully set.
Can I use skim or low-fat milk?
Whole milk is recommended for best texture, but you can use skim or low-fat milk if needed. The result may be slightly less rich.
Do I need to let the batter rest?
Yes, letting the batter rest for at least 10 minutes helps the flour absorb the liquid and reduces air bubbles, resulting in a smoother texture.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 1 day. Bring it to room temperature and stir gently before baking.
What’s the best way to grease the popover pan?
Use a pastry brush to apply melted butter or a generous spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure crisp edges.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Absolutely. Try nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
Why are my popovers dense and not airy?
Overmixing the batter or not baking at a high enough temperature can cause dense popovers. Ensure the oven is properly preheated and follow the recipe closely.
Are these best served fresh?
Yes, popovers are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. They tend to lose their crispness over time, though reheating in the oven can help revive them.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Popovers bring a comforting, home-baked charm to any breakfast or dessert table. With their delicate balance of sweetness and spice, these airy pastries are sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed plain or with your favorite spread, they offer a simple yet satisfying treat every time.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Popovers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 popovers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light, fluffy popovers with a sweet cinnamon-sugar twist. Crisp on the outside, soft and airy inside—these golden treats are a comforting breakfast or dessert with just the right touch of spice.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the empty popover pan in the oven to preheat for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and warm milk until well combined.
- Add flour, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until smooth and lump-free.
- Stir in melted butter and granulated sugar. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and generously grease each cup with butter or nonstick spray.
- Fill each popover cup just under halfway with batter.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake another 15 minutes. Do not open the oven during baking.
- Once puffed and golden, remove from oven. Gently remove popovers and serve warm.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and warm milk for best results.
- Do not open the oven while baking to ensure the popovers rise properly.
- A muffin tin can be used if a popover pan is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popover
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg