It’s that time of year again when the scent of warm spices and freshly baked goods fills our homes, signaling the arrival of the holiday season. One delightful Swedish Christmas baking recipe that brings a touch of Scandinavian charm to your table is Päronmuffins, or Pear Muffins. These tender and flavorful treats are the perfect blend of sweet and juicy pears with a hint of warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of Sweden to your festive celebrations!
**Päronmuffins Pear Muffins**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 1/2 cups diced ripe pears (about 2 medium pears)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the diced pears, being careful not to overmix the batter.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, dust the Päronmuffins with powdered sugar for a beautiful snowy finish.
These Päronmuffins are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire, combining the sweetness of ripe pears with the comforting aroma of seasonal spices. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy Swedish-inspired treat that is sure to impress your guests. Feel free to experiment with different types of pears or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for extra crunch. Enjoy the joy of baking and sharing these delicious Pear Muffins with your loved ones this holiday season!
