Embrace the flavors of summer with these irresistibly moist and fluffy lemon poppy seed muffins. Featuring a light and airy bakery-style texture, each muffin is infused with the bright, zesty tang of lemon and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, making them a perfect treat for sunny days.
Why You'll Love This: These muffins strike the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness, combining the rich taste of butter and the wholesome goodness of Greek yogurt with the vibrant flavors of lemon. The lemon glaze adds a final touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the citrusy muffin, creating a delightful taste sensation.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for summer brunches, picnics, or as a delightful afternoon snack, these lemon poppy seed muffins will bring a taste of sunshine to any day. They're also great for sharing with friends and family or as a thoughtful homemade gift to brighten someone's day.
Decoration Tips: To make these muffins even more appealing, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top in a zigzag pattern or encircle the muffins for a more artistic look. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a few poppy seeds on top of the glaze for an extra pop of color and texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup milk
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Begin by mixing the granulated sugar and lemon zest in a bowl. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the oils for a more intense flavor.
- Whisk in the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and milk until well combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Fold the mixture gently to avoid overmixing.
- (Optional) Let the batter rest at room temperature for 1 hour to help achieve a dome shape on the muffins.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a muffin tin with parchment liners, filling every other cup to allow space for the muffins to expand.
- Distribute the batter evenly among the liners and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 8 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes.
- Allow the muffins to cool before glazing. To prepare the glaze, simply mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled muffins, allowing it to set before serving.
Enjoy these summery lemon poppy seed muffins, a perfect blend of moist, fluffy goodness and citrusy delight that promises to be a hit on any occasion!