Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
These Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are the perfect blend of bright, zesty flavors and soft, moist texture. Thanks to Greek yogurt, they’re incredibly fluffy and packed with the refreshing taste of fresh lemon zest.
The addition of a sweet, tangy lemon glaze takes these muffins to the next level, creating a delightful balance of tart and sweet. They’re simple to make, requiring just one bowl for easy cleanup!
Ideal for breakfast or a midday snack, these muffins are sure to please a crowd. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, they’re a delicious treat you’ll want to savor again and again.
Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Ingredients
Flour provides the perfect base, creating the soft, tender crumb that makes these muffins irresistible. The subtle sweetness of sugar complements the tangy lemon, while baking powder ensures the perfect rise.
Greek yogurt adds richness and moisture, making each bite incredibly fluffy and smooth. Fresh lemon juice and zest bring a burst of citrusy brightness, while poppy seeds add a gentle crunch and visual appeal.
Butter and vanilla extract infuse the muffins with a comforting richness, creating a balanced flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet, zesty glaze.
Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Recipe Tips
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter:
To ensure your muffins turn out light and fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just incorporated. Overmixing can cause the muffins to become dense and tough, affecting their texture.
2. Fresh Lemons Are Key:
For the brightest lemon flavor, always use fresh lemons. Choose lemons with smooth, firm rinds and deep yellow color, as these indicate freshness and optimal flavor. If you can’t find fresh lemons, replace lemon zest with lemon extract, but nothing beats the zest from fresh fruit.
3. Customize with Fruit:
While the lemon and poppy seed combination is delightful on its own, you can easily elevate your muffins by adding fresh berries. Blueberries work beautifully when folded into the batter. To prevent them from sinking, toss them with a little flour before adding them to the mix.
What to Serve with Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
1. A Cup of Hot Tea:
Lemon poppy seed muffins pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, especially varieties like Earl Grey or chamomile. The citrus notes from the muffins complement the floral and herbaceous flavors of the tea, creating a refreshing, calming experience.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad:
Balance the richness of the muffins with a light, refreshing fruit salad. Opt for fruits like strawberries, kiwi, or citrus slices, which offer a fresh contrast to the sweet and tangy muffins. This combination is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
3. Scrambled Eggs:
For a savory option, serve these muffins alongside soft scrambled eggs. The mild, creamy texture of the eggs pairs perfectly with the zesty muffins, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal. You can also add a side of crispy bacon for a classic breakfast combination.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of yogurt?
Yes! If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with any thick yogurt, such as strained plain yogurt or even sour cream. Just ensure it’s thick for the best results.
2. How long do these muffins stay fresh?
These muffins can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container. They will remain moist thanks to the Greek yogurt. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
3. Can I make these muffins without the glaze?
While the glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish, you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet muffin. The muffins themselves are delicious and flavorful even without the glaze.
4. How can I make these muffins more moist?
The Greek yogurt already contributes to their moistness, but if you’d like an extra boost, consider adding an extra tablespoon of yogurt or a splash of milk for added moisture. Just be careful not to overmix, as that can impact the texture.
Glazed Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Ingredients
- For the Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt plain, full fat
- Zest of two lemons
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- For the Optional Lemon Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with paper baking cups. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, lemon juice, milk, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt, mixing until smooth. Gently fold in the lemon zest and poppy seeds.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin pan, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the muffins are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. Once the muffins are done, dunk the warm muffin tops into the glaze or drizzle it over the muffins. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional poppy seeds on top.
- Serve the muffins warm or allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
Freezing: You can freeze the muffins for up to three months. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Lemon Zest: If you do not have lemon zest, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of lemon extract.
Yogurt Options: In place of Greek yogurt, you may use another thick yogurt or strain plain yogurt through cheesecloth. Thick sour cream is also a suitable alternative.
Avoid Overmixing: To achieve light, fluffy muffins, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix until smooth and just combined to ensure the proper texture.
Selecting Lemons: Choose lemons with a firm, smooth rind and a deep yellow color. They should yield slightly when squeezed, indicating ripeness. Avoid lemons with greenish tints, softness, or mold.
Adding Blueberries: To incorporate blueberries, toss one heaping cup of fresh berries with a little flour and gently fold them into the batter with the poppy seeds.
