Spiced Muffins (Muffins aux Épices)

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed)
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons)
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
• Ground ginger (1 teaspoon)
• Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Eggs (2 large)
• Milk (1 cup)
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Chopped nuts (optional) (1/2 cup)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting) (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
5. Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full to allow for rising.
6. Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of each muffin for a sweet finish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.