Cinnamon Maple Burst Breakfast Sandwiches

Cinnamon Maple Burst Breakfast Sandwiches

Several summers ago, I worked at McDonald’s to make a little bit of college money. Every time I eat there now, it takes me back to the summer of waking up at 4:30 every morning, being stuck in the hot drive-through, and always being very late for my breaks and clocking out because we were always so busy that my manager would forget that there was a human working by herself in the back of the store. It was a decent job, though. The owners were nice people and I was grateful for the money. After eating and watching things be cooked there everyday, some of the food has been forever ruined for me. The one thing that has not been ruined for me is the McGriddle. As it turns out: they are very easy to make at home.

The secret?

Maple crystals

Recipe:

  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 3/4 cups milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • your favorite breakfast sandwich fixings

Instructions:

1. Make the maple crystals by boiling 1/2 cup of maple syrup in a pan over medium heat. Heat the syrup until crystals start to form at the bottom of the pan. This should take about 7 minutes. The hot maple lava will have darkened in color a bit and the mixture will be thicker (be careful not to burn it). When it is ready, pour your syrup onto a greased cookie sheet and let it sit. When it has hardened (it should be like hard candy), break it into small shards and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, sift together all of the dry ingredients. Mix in the milk and egg. Melt the butter and mix into the pancake batter.

3. Lightly grease a skillet or griddle and heat over medium heat. Grease a couple of round metal cookie cutters or mason jar lids and place them on top of the skillet.

4. Pour the pancake batter inside of the cookie cutters about 1/3 of the way full. Sprinkle some maple crystals on top and cover with more batter. (You only want to fill the cookie cutter about 1/2 way as they will fluff up when they cook).

5. When bubbles form on the top of the pancake, carefully flip it over, remove the cookie cutter, and cook the other side.

6. Top with your favorite breakfast sandwich fixings and eat immediately.