Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins (Printable)

Moist, fluffy muffins with bright lemon zest and a tender crumb—ideal for a sunny brunch or treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1/2 cup whole milk
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
09 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
10 - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Optional Topping

12 - 2 tablespoons coarse or sparkling sugar

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly with butter.
02 - Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until evenly mixed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle tops with coarse sugar if using.
06 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean and tops are lightly golden.
07 - Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Bright lemon flavor
  • Moist and fluffy texture
02 -
  • For extra lemon flavor add 1/2 tsp lemon extract
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for half of the milk for a tangier richer muffin
03 -
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and fluffy
  • Use fresh lemon zest for the best bright flavor
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