Classic English Crumpets with Butter

Classic English Crumpets with Butter are one of Britain’s most beloved tea-time treats — soft, spongy, and full of signature holes that soak up melted butter perfectly. These golden-brown rounds are cooked on a griddle rather than baked, giving them their unique texture — crisp on the outside yet tender and chewy inside.

Crumpets have been a part of English breakfast and afternoon tea culture for centuries. Unlike pancakes or muffins, they’re yeast-leavened, giving them a mild tang and airy lightness that makes every bite irresistible. When toasted and topped with a generous pat of butter that seeps into every crevice, a crumpet becomes pure comfort food.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances simplicity and satisfaction. The process of watching the bubbles form and set on the surface while the crumpet cooks is almost meditative — and the reward is something that feels both humble and luxurious.

The flavor of homemade crumpets is far superior to store-bought ones — they’re fresher, softer, and lighter. Plus, you can enjoy them exactly how you like: with butter and jam for sweetness, or with cheese and herbs for something savory.

Making crumpets from scratch also connects you with a classic piece of British culinary tradition, something that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Crumpets are a must-try because they offer an experience you can’t quite replicate with any other bread or pastry. The texture — spongy with hundreds of buttery little holes — is their defining charm. They’re incredibly versatile, too: perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even a quick snack.

For anyone who loves baking or exploring global comfort foods, making English crumpets is an essential experience. Once you’ve had them fresh and warm from the griddle, you’ll understand why they’ve remained a British staple for generations.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour resting time for batter)
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: 8 crumpets
• Calories: Approximately 140 kcal per crumpet
• Course: Breakfast / Tea-Time Snack
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

For the Crumpets:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups (300ml) warm milk (not hot)
• ½ cup (120ml) warm water
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

For Serving:

• Unsalted butter (for greasing and serving)
• Optional toppings: jam, honey, clotted cream, or marmalade

Cooking Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Slowly pour in the warm milk and whisk until you get a smooth, thick batter.
3. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 1 hour, or until bubbles form and the batter doubles in size.
4. In a small bowl, mix baking soda with warm water and stir into the batter.
5. Let the mixture rest for another 10 minutes.
6. Heat a non-stick griddle or frying pan over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with butter.
7. Place greased crumpet rings on the pan and pour about ¼ cup of batter into each ring.
8. Cook for 6–8 minutes until bubbles appear and the surface looks set.
9. Remove the rings and flip the crumpets carefully; cook for another 1–2 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom.
10. Remove from the pan, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm with butter.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm milk while whisking until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable, like pancake batter.

Step 2: Let the Batter Rise
Cover the bowl and let it rest for about an hour. The yeast will activate, creating a light, airy batter full of tiny bubbles.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda
Mix baking soda with warm water, then gently stir it into the risen batter. Let it rest for another 10 minutes — you’ll notice even more bubbles forming.

Step 4: Cook the Crumpets
Preheat your pan or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease both the surface and the crumpet rings. Spoon batter into each ring (about ¼ cup per ring).

Step 5: Watch the Magic
Cook slowly until the surface develops bubbles and sets — about 6–8 minutes. This slow cooking helps form the signature holes.

Step 6: Flip and Finish
Remove the rings carefully, flip each crumpet, and cook for another 1–2 minutes just to lightly brown the other side.

Step 7: Serve Warm
Transfer to a plate, spread with butter, and enjoy immediately. The butter should melt into the holes for that perfect, rich texture.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve your Classic English Crumpets warm, ideally toasted lightly before serving. Spread them generously with butter so it melts into the holes, then top with your favorite jam, honey, or marmalade.

For a savory variation, top with melted cheese, poached eggs, or smoked salmon. Serve them with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a quintessential British experience.

Recipe Tips

• Use warm (not hot) milk and water to activate the yeast properly.
• Be patient while cooking — crumpets need low, slow heat to form those signature bubbles.
• Don’t overmix the batter after adding baking soda; you want to preserve the airiness.
• Grease your rings well to prevent sticking.
• Crumpets taste best when freshly cooked or lightly toasted the next day.

Variations

1. Whole Wheat Crumpets: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
2. Cheesy Crumpets: Sprinkle grated cheddar or parmesan over the tops before flipping for a savory twist.
3. Sweet Cinnamon Crumpets: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a touch more sugar to the batter for a dessert-style treat.
4. Herbed Crumpets: Add dried herbs (like thyme or rosemary) to the batter for a fragrant, savory version.
5. Vegan Crumpets: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter; the results are just as delicious.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked crumpets in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Crumpets freeze well for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between each to prevent sticking.
• Reheating: Toast directly from frozen until warm and crisp.

Special Equipment Needed

• Non-stick frying pan or griddle
• Crumpet rings (or metal cookie cutters, about 3 inches in diameter)
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make crumpets without crumpet rings?
Yes, you can shape the batter into rounds using metal cookie cutters or even cut the edges later — but rings help them rise evenly.

Q2: Why don’t my crumpets have holes?
The batter might be too thick or the heat too high. Ensure your batter is bubbly and cook on low heat to form the signature holes.

Q3: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes. You can refrigerate the batter overnight (covered). Let it come to room temperature before cooking.

Q4: What’s the difference between crumpets and English muffins?
Crumpets are cooked on one side and have a spongy texture with holes on top. English muffins are split and toasted, with a more bread-like crumb.

Q5: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes. Just dissolve it in warm milk and sugar for 10 minutes before mixing with the flour.

Conclusion

Classic English Crumpets with Butter are a delightful celebration of British culinary tradition — light, fluffy, and irresistibly buttery. They’re simple to make yet feel special every time, especially when served warm with butter melting into every airy pocket.

Whether enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, crumpets bring a comforting charm that never fades. Once you experience the crisp exterior and soft interior of a freshly made crumpet, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Simple, satisfying, and timeless — this is comfort food at its finest.