Whole Wheat Crumpets
The ultimate comfort food, Whole Wheat Crumpets are fluffy, warm, and oh-so-satisfying. These easy-to-make breakfast treats are perfect for slathering with butter and jam. Experience the delightful texture and wholesome flavor tonight!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Skillet
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 2 cups Whole wheat or spelt flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Warm milk
- 2.5 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon Sugar or honey
- 1 cup Warm water
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and active dry yeast into the warm milk. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial because it ensures that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Stir well to distribute the salt evenly throughout the flour. This step lays the foundation for the crumpets.
- Pour the frothy milk mixture into the flour mixture. If you’re using a stand mixer, attach the paddle attachment now. Mix the ingredients together until a thick dough forms. If using a stand mixer, beat the mixture for about 3 minutes until the dough is well combined.
- Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Let it rise for up to two hours, until the dough nearly doubles in size. This is the time when the yeast works to create air bubbles, making the crumpets light.
- After the dough has risen, dissolve the baking soda in the warm water and add it to the risen dough. If you’re using a stand mixer, beat the batter for a minute or two until it’s well mixed. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; they will dissolve during the next resting stage.
- Cover the batter and let it rest in a warm place for about 45 to 60 minutes. During this time, the mixture should become bubbly and frothy, which is a good sign that it's ready to cook.
- Prepare your crumpet rings by generously oiling the inside rims. Lightly oil a frying pan, either a regular skillet or a cast iron pan (my personal favorite). Place the rings in the skillet and heat them over medium heat.
- Once the rings are hot, pour the batter into each ring, filling them slightly more than halfway. Cooking times may vary, but generally, you’ll want to cook the crumpets for approximately 8 to 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- As they cook, the batter will rise and form the classic holes on top. The sides will begin to solidify first, then the center will cook through. You might need to adjust the heat if they start browning too quickly.
- Once the tops are set, and the bottoms are lightly browned, carefully remove the rings. The crumpets are done when they’ve developed those lovely holes and are cooked through.
- Enjoy the crumpets hot off the griddle, slathered with butter and jam for a heavenly treat. They can also be stored in a ziplock bag or airtight container and reheated by toasting them for a quick snack.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover crumpets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: These crumpets freeze well. Just place them in a ziplock bag and freeze them for up to three months. Toast them directly from frozen.
- Pairing: Enjoy with a variety of toppings such as honey, nut butter, or fresh fruits for a different taste experience.
- Flavor it up: Consider adding herbs or spices to the batter, like rosemary or cinnamon, for extra flavor.
- Smaller crumpets: You can make mini crumpets by using smaller rings or even just spooning the batter directly into the pan for a freeform style.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version of these delightful crumpets.
- Sweeten it up: Add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter for a sweet treat!