Muffins with lemon and poppy seeds

Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins are a bright and refreshing treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. The tangy lemon flavor pairs beautifully with the slight crunch of poppy seeds. Here’s a recipe to make these delightful muffins:

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Lemon Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.

5. Fill Muffin Tin:

   • Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

6. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.

7. Cool:

   • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare and Add Lemon Glaze (Optional):

   • If using the lemon glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled muffins.

Tips:

• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice if necessary.
• Poppy Seeds: If you prefer a more intense poppy seed flavor, you can increase the amount slightly.
• Mixing: Mix the batter just until combined to ensure light, fluffy muffins.
• Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

These Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins are perfect for brightening up your day with their fresh and zesty flavor. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!