Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are bright, zesty, and perfectly moist with a tender crumb. The fresh lemon flavor pairs beautifully with the slight crunch of poppy seeds, making these muffins a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. They’re simple to make and taste even better with a sweet lemon glaze on top.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourbaking powderbaking sodasaltpoppy seedsgranulated sugarsour cream or Greek yogurteggsunsalted butter (melted)lemon zestfresh lemon juicevanilla extractoptional: powdered sugar and extra lemon juice for glaze

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.

In another bowl, whisk together sugar, sour cream or yogurt, eggs, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined; do not overmix.

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the muffins cool slightly, then drizzle with an optional lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 muffins.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 18-20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add a handful of blueberries for a fruity twist.

Use orange zest and juice instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.

Top with coarse sugar before baking for a crunchy muffin top.

Make mini muffins for bite-sized treats.

storage/reheating

Store Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.Thaw and reheat briefly in the microwave for a fresh taste.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for bright flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

Why are my muffins dense?

Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep them light and fluffy.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for similar results.

How do I get a stronger lemon flavor?

Add extra zest or a touch of lemon extract for more punch.

Is the glaze necessary?

No, but it adds an extra burst of sweetness and lemon flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and nutty with a fluffy, moist texture. They’re quick to make and bring a burst of sunshine to your morning routine or snack time. Whip up a batch and enjoy the bright citrus flavor in every bite!

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