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Baking is more than just a culinary task; it's a joyful experience that brings warmth and comfort to our homes. One delightful recipe that encapsulates this spirit is the Zesty Sweet Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. These muffins are not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the senses, combining the refreshing brightness of lemon with the unique crunch of poppy seeds. Perfect for a sunny breakfast, an inviting brunch, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these muffins are sure to uplift your day.

Sweet Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Discover the joy of baking with Zesty Sweet Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins! This delightful recipe combines the vibrant taste of fresh lemons with the unique crunch of poppy seeds, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. You'll find a step-by-step guide to crafting these light and fluffy muffins, along with tips for selecting the best ingredients and achieving the perfect texture. Enjoy a delicious and uplifting baking experience that will brighten your day!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (from about 1 medium lemon)

½ cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 2 medium lemons)

½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

¼ cup milk

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a standard muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it with non-stick cooking spray.

    Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds until they are evenly mixed. Set this bowl aside for later use.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.

        Add Eggs and Flavors: One at a time, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract, grated lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Mix everything together until fully combined and smooth.

          Incorporate Yogurt and Milk: Gently stir in the Greek yogurt and milk until the mixture is well blended. Be careful not to overmix; you want it to be smooth but still maintain some thickness.

            Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Carefully fold the reserved dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined; the batter should remain a little lumpy – do not overmix to ensure fluffy muffins.

              Fill Muffin Tins: Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each one to about ¾ full. This allows room for rising without overflowing.

                Bake: Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean when ready.

                  Cool and Serve: When the muffins are golden brown and baked through, remove them from the oven. Let them cool in the muffin tin for around 5 minutes before transferring the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Optional Glaze: For a delightful finishing touch, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to create a sweet glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled muffins for added sweetness and shine before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Yields: 12 muffins

                        Presentation Tip: Arrange the muffins on a decorative platter and garnish with thin lemon slices or a sprinkle of poppy seeds for an attractive presentation that highlights their zesty appeal.