Description
These refreshing Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are bursting with bright citrus flavors and a delightful crunch from poppy seeds. The batter is enriched with sour cream and butter for moist, tender muffins, while a lemon simple syrup glaze adds a glossy, sweet-tart finish. Perfect for breakfast or a light snack, these muffins combine classic baking techniques with a flavorful twist.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (320g) all purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (65g) sour cream, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract or lemon extract
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- 1 cup (255ml) milk, room temperature
Lemon Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup (118ml) fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- Lemon peel from 1 lemon
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds to evenly distribute all the dry components.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, almond or lemon extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and milk. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, unified wet mixture.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold and combine until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix to preserve muffin tenderness.
- Rest Batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest at room temperature for 1 hour. This step allows the batter to hydrate fully and create a fluffier texture when baked.
- Make Lemon Simple Syrup: While the batter rests, pour fresh lemon juice and granulated sugar into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, bringing to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup slightly thickens.
- Prepare Lemon Zest for Syrup: Use a paring knife to peel the zest from one lemon carefully, avoiding the pith. Place the zest in a heat-safe bowl.
- Combine Syrup and Zest: Remove the syrup from heat and pour it over the lemon zest in the bowl. Let it cool to room temperature while the batter continues to rest.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Near the end of the 1-hour rest, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners, either 11 liners all spaced or 6 liners spaced in every other cup for taller muffins and two baking batches.
- Fill Muffin Liners: Using a large 2 oz scoop or about 1/4 cup measurement, fill each muffin liner generously to the top without deflating the batter, preserving the airy texture developed during the rest.
- Bake First Phase: Bake the muffins at 425°F for 8 minutes to promote initial rise and structure formation.
- Adjust Oven Temperature and Continue Baking: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 8-10 minutes until muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If baking in two batches, return the oven to 425°F before starting the second batch.
- Apply Lemon Glaze: Right after removing muffins from the oven, brush them generously with the cooled lemon simple syrup to impart moistness and extra lemon flavor.
- Cool Muffins: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for 15-20 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle additional poppy seeds on top before serving.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the muffins while still warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Resting the batter before baking is crucial for light and fluffy muffins.
- Using room temperature ingredients ensures even mixing and optimal rise.
- For taller muffin tops, bake in two batches with spaced liners.
- The lemon syrup glaze enhances moisture and adds a glossy finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.