Heart English Muffins

Valentine’s Day Sourdough English Muffins: A Heartfelt Start to Your Morning 💕✨

Start your Valentine’s Day with a warm, homemade treat that’s both heartfelt and delicious: Sourdough English Muffins! Made with active sourdough starter, a touch of honey, and cooked to perfection on a skillet, these muffins are a labor of love with their signature fluffy texture and subtle tang.

Whether you’re planning a romantic breakfast for two or a cozy family morning, these sourdough English muffins will make your Valentine’s Day extra special. Plus, they’re versatile enough to top with sweet jam, rich butter, or even a savory egg and cheese combination.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally Leavened: The sourdough starter gives these muffins their signature tangy flavor and soft texture.

• Perfect for Valentine’s Day: Shape them into hearts for a festive touch!

• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before for a relaxed morning bake.

• Versatile: Enjoy them sweet or savory, topped with anything your heart desires.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

Dough:

• ½ cup (100 g) active sourdough starter

• 1 tablespoon (20 g) honey

• 1 cup (240 g) milk

• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon (5 g) fine sea salt

• ¼ cup (40 g) cornmeal (for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Feed Your Sourdough Starter

12 hours before making the dough, combine the starter ingredients in a clean jar. Stir until smooth, loosely cover, and let sit at room temperature. The starter is ready when it’s doubled in size and bubbly.

2. Mix the Dough

• Add 100 g of active sourdough starter, honey, milk, flour, and salt to a large bowl. Mix with your hands until fully combined.

• Cover and let the dough rest for 30–60 minutes.

• Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed.

• Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and ferment at room temperature (65–70°F) for 8–12 hours.

3. Shape the Muffins

• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and press it to ½-inch thickness with your fingertips.

• Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut rounds, or a heart-shaped cutter for a Valentine’s Day touch.

• Place the muffins on a parchment-lined baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Sprinkle the tops with more cornmeal, cover with a tea towel, and let rise for 1 hour at room temperature.

4. Cook the Muffins

• Preheat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place 4 muffins in the skillet, spaced 2 inches apart. Cover and cook the first side for 4 minutes.

• Flip the muffins and cook the other side for another 4 minutes.

• The centers should register about 200°F on an instant-read thermometer when done.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough English Muffins

• Make It Festive: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create Valentine’s Day-themed muffins.

• Prep Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before so it’s ready to cut and cook in the morning.

• Don’t Skip the Cornmeal: It prevents sticking and adds a signature crunch to the muffins.

• Freeze the Extras: These muffins freeze beautifully. Make a large batch and store leftovers in a freezer-safe bag for quick breakfasts later.

Why It’s Perfect for Valentine’s Day

These sourdough English muffins are a thoughtful, homemade way to start Valentine’s Day. The gentle tang from the sourdough starter pairs beautifully with sweet or savory toppings, making them versatile enough to suit any breakfast table. Plus, the heart-shaped option adds a festive and loving touch to your morning.

Serving Ideas

• Sweet: Spread with strawberry jam, honey, or Nutella.

• Savory: Top with avocado, a fried egg, and crispy bacon.

• Dessert-Inspired: Add yogurt, granola, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a breakfast parfait twist.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see how you celebrate with your sourdough English muffins! Tag me on Instagram @Weeknight_Homemaker to share your creations.

Happy baking and Happy Valentine’s Day,

Lauren 💕

The Weeknight Homemaker