Morning Crispies
Morning Crispies are light, sweet, and cinnamon-scented breakfast treats with a tender crumb, perfect for starting the day with warmth and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. (1/4 oz.) active dry yeast ⓘ
- 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°) ⓘ
- 1 cup warm milk (110° to 115°) ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar, divided ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract ⓘ
- 5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened and divided ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water; let stand for 5 minutes.
- Add milk, 1/2 cup sugar, vegetable oil, salt, eggs, lemon extract, and 2 cups of flour; beat well.
- Add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch the dough down.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active by checking its expiration date. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the sugar with honey. You can also replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a different taste. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought dough instead of making your own. Remember to let the dough rise in a warm environment for optimal fluffiness.
Serving Suggestions
These Morning Crispies are delightful on their own, but you can serve them with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast. They also pair beautifully with Sugar-Free Chocolate Fudge for a sweet treat. Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness. Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before serving for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Morning Crispies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Morning Crispies contains roughly 817 calories, with 17g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (276% of the Daily Value), calcium (126% of the Daily Value), and iron (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2031mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount and skip the step of dissolving it in water. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. This will save you a bit of time and still yield great results.
What can I use if I don’t have lemon extract?
If you don't have lemon extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or even almond extract for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a natural citrus flavor.
Can I make these Morning Crispies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then shape it into balls. Cover and refrigerate overnight. When you're ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise again before baking. This method can save you time in the morning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).