Description
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are soft, fluffy muffins made with a delightful combination of fresh lemon juice and zest, complemented by poppy seeds. The addition of a sweet lemon glaze makes them even more irresistible. These muffins are ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a sunny morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. Their bright, citrusy flavor with a subtle crunch from the poppy seeds makes them an exciting treat for your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of your muffin batter.
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1 tsp baking powder – Helps the muffins rise to a light, fluffy texture.
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½ tsp baking soda – Adds to the fluffiness of the muffins and balances the acidity of lemon juice.
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¼ tsp salt – Enhances the flavor of the muffins.
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2 tbsp poppy seeds – Adds texture and a mild, nutty flavor.
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½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the muffins, balancing the tangy lemon.
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2 large eggs – Provides structure and moisture to the batter.
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and moisture.
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1/3 cup buttermilk (or whole milk) – Adds moisture and tenderness to the muffins.
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Gives the muffins that refreshing, zesty lemon flavor.
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2 tsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon) – Adds even more lemony fragrance and flavor.
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1 tsp vanilla extract – Balances the flavors with a touch of warmth.
For the Glazed Icing:
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1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Adds tanginess and helps the glaze reach the desired consistency.
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1 tsp lemon zest – Enhances the lemon flavor in the glaze.
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1-2 tsp water (adjust for desired consistency) – Helps to achieve the right thickness for the glaze.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly greasing it. This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and are easy to remove after they cool.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Poppy seeds
This combination of dry ingredients will help provide structure and rise to your muffins while the poppy seeds will add the signature crunch.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the following wet ingredients:
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Melted butter
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Buttermilk (or whole milk)
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Fresh lemon juice
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Lemon zest
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Vanilla extract
Mix these ingredients until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything is well incorporated.
4. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins, so stir just until the ingredients are combined.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon, fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the muffin batter. Be sure to evenly distribute the batter so that all the muffins bake uniformly.
6. Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
7. Cool the Muffins
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the muffins from becoming soggy and ensures a crisp texture.
Making the Glazed Icing
1. Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gradually add water, one teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not so thick that it’s hard to drizzle.
2. Drizzle the Glaze
Once the muffins are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops. You can either use a spoon or a small piping bag for more precise drizzling. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
These lemon poppy seed muffins are the perfect balance of zesty and sweet, with a tender crumb and that irresistible glazed finish. They’re great for brunch, gifting, or a cozy afternoon treat. Feel free to add a bit of lemon zest on top for extra flair!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag your creation with #MyLemonBake on social media.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: American
- Cuisine: Baking
Keywords: Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins with Glazed Icing