Easy Lemon Muffins Recipe

Introduction

These easy lemon muffins are bright, tender, and perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack. With simple ingredients and a refreshing citrus flavor, they’re sure to become a go-to treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and lemon zest.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the eggs and melted butter together until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
6. Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden.
7. Step 7: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra lemon flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the wet ingredients.
• Try folding in 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries or poppy seeds for a fun twist.
• Use melted coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
• Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay to keep muffins light and fluffy.

Storage

Store lemon muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze muffins individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon zest?

Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of lemon extract for the zest, but fresh zest provides the best natural flavor and brightness.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, the muffins are done. Also, the tops should be lightly golden.

Easy Lemon Muffins Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 52 reviews

These Easy Lemon Muffins are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. With the bright, fresh flavor of lemon zest and a moist, tender crumb, these muffins are simple to make and sure to please everyone.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1–2 lemons)

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup milk (optional for batter consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Whisk together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the melted butter and vanilla extract if using. Mix well to combine.
4. Make Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. If the batter is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup milk to reach the desired consistency. Avoid over-mixing to keep muffins tender.
5. Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
6. Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the tops turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• For a tangier muffin, increase the lemon zest or add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the wet ingredients.
• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor rather than bottled lemon zest or flavoring.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins.
• These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze well for longer storage.

Keywords: lemon muffins, easy muffins, breakfast muffins, lemon zest muffins, simple muffin recipe