Description
These Zesty Lemon Muffins are bright, tangy, and moist, perfect for a fresh citrus-flavored breakfast or snack. Made with lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and a creamy yogurt base, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart. An optional lemon glaze adds an extra burst of citrus sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Muffins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Lemon Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with muffin liners or lightly greasing the cups to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the plain yogurt (or sour cream), vegetable oil, large eggs, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until the batter is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender and light.
- Fill muffin cups: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they are done.
- Cool the muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional glaze: While the muffins cool, whisk together the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle this lemon glaze over the cooled muffins for added sweetness and zesty flavor.
Notes
- These muffins freeze well and can be quickly warmed in the microwave to recapture their fresh-baked taste.
- For a fun variation, add poppy seeds or fresh blueberries to the batter before baking.
