When it comes to baked goods that brighten up your day, few can rival the cheerful charm of lemon poppy seed muffins. These golden, citrusy delights strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. They’re soft, moist, and speckled with tiny, nutty poppy seeds for a subtle crunch in every bite. Whether paired with your morning coffee, served as a midday snack, or laid out for brunch, these muffins are bound to steal the spotlight.
Want to bake a batch? Follow this simple recipe, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of lemony perfection.
Ingredients
Here’s all you’ll need to whip up a dozen of these scrumptious muffins:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons (approx. 2 tablespoons)
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 3/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream
Optional Lemon Glaze (for extra zing):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kitchen Tools You'll Need:
- A muffin tin and liners
- Mixing bowls
- A whisk or electric handheld mixer
- Rubber spatula
Directions
1. Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Add the Greek Yogurt
Stir in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until the mixture is well-combined. The yogurt works magic here, keeping your muffins moist and tender.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be gentle and mix just until the batter comes together. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, and we want these to be light and fluffy!
6. Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. This gives the muffins room to rise beautifully.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. The muffins are ready when the tops are slightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re glazing them, whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together in a small bowl, then drizzle it over the cooled muffins.
Tips for Muffin Mastery
- Don’t skip the zest! The zest is where most of the lemon flavor comes from, so make sure to use fresh lemons and avoid the bitter white pith.
- Room-temperature eggs: They mix more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Test doneness early: Ovens vary, so check the muffins a minute or two before the suggested bake time to avoid overbaking.
- Store with care: Keep your muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for later enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon poppy seed muffins are delightful on their own, but they become even better with a few thoughtful pairings. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of earl grey tea or your favorite coffee for a café-style experience. You can also add a dollop of mascarpone or lemon curd for an extra burst of flavor. Hosting a brunch? These muffins will shine next to fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or scrambled eggs.
A Burst of Sunshine in Every Bite
There you have it! Lemon poppy seed muffins are not only a breeze to make, but they’re also packed with bright, festive flavors. Whether you’re baking them for a special gathering, or simply to enjoy on a quiet morning, they’re sure to bring a little sunshine to your table.
Happy baking!
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