How to Make Crumpets: A Quick and Easy Crumpet Recipe

A crumpet is a small round type of bread that's made on a griddle. Crumpets are similar in size and texture to English muffins, which are more well-known in the United States. Like English muffins, crumpets are cooked on a griddle on top of a stove, and they have a spongy texture filled with little holes.

Crumpets are typically served for breakfast or afternoon tea throughout the United Kingdom and in many of the English-speaking countries associated with the former British Empire, especially in Australia, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand. In Scotland, crumpets may include raisins or other dried fruits. Crumpets may be served warm directly from the griddle, though they may also be removed from the griddle while partially cooked for later toasting in a toaster. While crumpets are typically served with butter and jam, they may also be eaten with other sweet or savory spreads.

Crumpets and English muffins are both popular for breakfast, but there are some differences:

• Batter: Crumpets have a loose batter and are usually cooked inside of a crumpet ring mold. English muffins have a firm dough, and the muffins are usually rolled out into little balls before cooking on the stove.
• Texture: English muffins have more of a bread-like texture, while crumpets have a spongy texture. English muffin halves are commonly toasted in a toaster, giving them a crispy texture. Crumpets tend to be chewy.
• Cooked sides: You cook one side of crumpets and both sides of English muffins. That means that you can see the nooks and crannies on the top of the crumpets. With an English muffin, you have to slice it in half to see the nooks and crannies
• Service: English muffins are thicker. Typically, cooks slice English muffins in half before serving. For crumpets, you can add toppings directly onto the crumpet since it is a flatter bread.

Crumpets have a long history in Great Britain, and they rose to prominence in the Victorian era.

• Origins: Crumpets likely date back to at least the fourteenth century. At that time, English theologian John Wycliffe referred to a "crompid cake" baked on a hot stone. Crumpets may have originated in Wales—"crumpet" may be related to the Welsh word "crempog," which refers to a griddle cake.
• First recorded recipes: The first recorded crumpet recipes date to the late 1600s, with the word used to describe flatcakes made of buckwheat. By the late 1700s, the recipes for crumpets began to look more like those seen today.
• Victorian era: English crumpets took a great leap forward in the nineteenth century, when Victorians began to use baking powder or baking soda as a leavening agent. As a side effect, the use of baking powder resulted in the holes which are now a key element of crumpets. The Victorian era also saw the use of crumpet rings, which provided a defined shape for the grilled breads and helped them become taller. During the Victorian era, crumpets became widespread throughout England.

While homemade crumpets are a fast, easy bread to make, following these tips will help you achieve just the right texture and taste.

1. 1. Grease the griddle with butter. Grease the crumpet rings and the griddle with butter for a rich taste. It's easier to use cooking spray, especially for the rings, but your taste buds will appreciate the extra work when you use butter.
2. 2. Add sugar. Add a teaspoon or two of sugar if you want a little added sweetness in your crumpets.
3. 3. Start with a test. Make one test crumpet as you start griddling to make sure your griddle is hot enough.
4. 4. Flip your crumpets for added crispness. While crumpets are traditionally cooked on one side only, you may prefer to have both sides griddled. Wait until you see holes forming and the top starting to dry out before you remove the crumpet rings and flip the crumpets.
5. 5. Use egg rings. If you don't have English muffin or crumpet rings available, consider using the egg rings you use for poached eggs.