Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

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It doesn’t get better than starting your day off with a lemon poppy seed muffin. The sweet, citrus-flavored muffin is perfect for breakfast, that casual brunch, or even an afternoon snack. They are even good enough for dessert! 

Lemon poppy seed muffins are always a good idea. The super fluffy muffins are such a treat to have in the morning. With their moist cake, sweet lemon flavor, and poppy seed-filled texture, there is nothing not to like.

QUICK AND EASY LEMON POPPY SEED MUFFINS 

If you love muffins in the morning but think lemon poppy seed muffins are not for you, it is time to think again. Just like classic blueberry and banana chocolate chip muffins, these lemon poppy seed muffins are super fluffy and loaded with flavor. Don’t let the poppy seeds scare you. The lemon is definitely the dominating flavor when it comes to these muffins, while the poppy seeds are there to add a whole lot of texture. 

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The star ingredient when it comes to the muffins is definitely the lemon. The lemons provide a strong burst of flavor with both juice and zest. The juice provides the overall flavor, while the zest works with the other ingredients to bring out the best in the citrus fruit. Go for ripe lemons with a lot of juice when you are looking to make this recipe — it will make such a difference in flavor! 

Lemon and poppy seeds are not your typical combination, but it is not one to be overlooked. The poppy seeds complement the citrus flavor and add a burst of texture to the muffins. It makes them both cakey and chewy in the best way. If poppy seeds aren’t your cup of tea, feel free to leave them out. The lemon flavor in the muffin is pretty delicious on its own. 

INGREDIENTS FOR LEMON POPPY SEED MUFFINS 

• All-purpose flour 
• Sugar 
• Baking soda 
• Baking powder 
• Salt
• Eggs – Let the eggs come to room temperature. 
• Vanilla extract 
• Sour cream – makes the muffins super fluffy. 
• Vanilla yogurt – keeps the muffins nice and moist. 
• Melted butter – make sure the butter is fully cooled. 
• Lemons – Go for ripe lemons for lots of juice. 
• Poppy seeds

HOW TO MAKE LEMON POPPY SEED MUFFINS 

1. PREPARE

Preheat the oven to 400 and prepare a muffin tin with liners or grease.

2. MIX WET INGREDIENTS 

In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest and sugar with a fork to bring out all of the oils from the lemon zest. When the two ingredients look combined, add in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix together to combine.

3. ADD DRY INGREDIENTS 

In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, yogurt, eggs, vanilla, lemon juice, and melted butter. Mix until fully combined and smooth. It’s okay if there are a few lumps. It is better to have a lumpy batter than an overmixed one. Fold in the poppy seed and evenly scoop out the batter into the prepared muffin tin.

4. BAKE THE MUFFINS 

Bake the muffins for about 15-18 minutes or until the tops of the muffin are popped up and golden brown. Use a toothpick or cake tester to see if they are ready. Transfer the muffins to a cooling rack and let cool for about 10 minutes. Top with glaze when fully cooled. 

FAQ

WHAT DO LEMON POPPY SEED MUFFINS TASTE LIKE?

Lemon poppy seed muffins can be deceiving when it comes to the taste. They don’t have an overpowering lemon flavor, and the poppy seeds don’t add a whole lot of flavor in either. Overall, they are subtly sweet and a little tart. The poppy seeds add more texture than flavor. If you are a big citrus lover, you will really enjoy these. 

HOW MANY POPPY SEEDS DO YOU PUT IN LEMON POPPY SEED MUFFINS?

A small amount of poppy seeds goes a long way when it comes to these muffins. This recipe calls for just two tablespoons of poppy seeds. It might not look like enough when you are making the muffins, but it will spread out, so there is a mouthful of poppy seeds in every bite. 

WHAT MAKES THE LEMON POPPY SEED MUFFINS SO FLUFFY AND MOIST?

The key to making these muffins so fluffy and moist is all in the sour cream and vanilla yogurt. The ingredients have a high-fat content, which leads to a fluffy and moist texture. 

CAN YOU FREEZE LEMON POPPY SEED MUFFINS?

Yes! In fact, I would recommend making a double batch of these muffins and placing one-half of them in the freezer so you can have muffins whenever you want. In the freezer, the muffins will last about 3-4 months. 

MORE MUFFINS TO ENJOY 

• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin
• Blueberry Muffin 
• Apple Cinnamon Muffins
• Cranberry Orange Muffins