Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the bright flavor of lemon with the nutty crunch of poppy seeds. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a tasty snack any time of day. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, and tips for making the perfect Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. Additionally, we’ll provide variations and address frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the best results.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Oil, Lemon Zest, and Eggs: Add the canola or vegetable oil, lemon zest, eggs, and egg yolk to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Mix in Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice until just combined.
Step 4: Bake the Muffins
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with non-stick spray.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
- Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
- Glaze Muffins: Once the muffins are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the tops. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Cooking Notes and Variations
Cooking Notes
- Zesting Lemons: When zesting lemons, be sure to avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter.
- Measuring Flour: To ensure accurate measurement, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
Variations
- Blueberry Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Almond Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Substitute 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for the vanilla extract for a nutty flavor.
- Whole Wheat Muffins: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately if needed.
Q2: How do I store leftover muffins?
A: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the muffins for up to 3 months.
Q3: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will provide a similar texture and tanginess.
Q4: Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?
A: Yes, you can make mini muffins by using a mini muffin tin. Reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
Q5: What can I serve with Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins?
A: These muffins are delicious on their own but can also be served with butter, honey, or a dollop of whipped cream. They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea.
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are a delightful and refreshing treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. With their bright lemon flavor, crunchy poppy seeds, and sweet lemon glaze, these muffins are sure to become a favorite. Follow these simple steps and tips to create delicious and satisfying muffins that everyone will love. Serve these delightful muffins with your favorite beverage for a complete and enjoyable treat!
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a tasty snack, or a treat to share with friends and family, these Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are an excellent choice. Enjoy the rich flavors and the ease of preparation, and feel free to experiment with different variations to make this recipe your own.