Lemon Muffins with Lemon Glaze Recipe

If you are in the mood for a bright, cheerful treat that feels like sunshine on a plate, this Lemon Muffins with Lemon Glaze Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These muffins are incredibly tender and fluffy, bursting with fresh lemon zest and tangy juice in every bite. The luscious lemon glaze drizzled on top adds just the right balance of sweetness and zing, creating a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special occasion, these lemon muffins are guaranteed to add a splash of joy to your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Muffins with Lemon Glaze Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing an important role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and look. These common kitchen staples come together to create a muffin that’s moist, tender, and packed with vibrant lemon flavor.

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure to hold everything together while keeping the muffins light.
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins just enough to complement the lemon without overpowering it.
• 4 tsp baking powder: Adds the rise and fluffiness that make these muffins so appealing.
• ½ tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for a tender crumb and helps balance the acidity of lemon.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Brings moisture and slight tang that complements the lemon beautifully.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted & cooled: Adds richness and a delicate crumb texture.
• Zest of 2 lemons: Infuses an intense lemon aroma and bursts of citrus flavors.
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice: Provides that fresh, tangy punch that makes these muffins uniquely lemony.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Forms the base of the sweet, glossy lemon glaze.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Combined with powdered sugar to make the perfect glaze consistency and flavor.

How to Make Lemon Muffins with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. Getting this step right ensures your muffins will have a perfect rise and even sweetness.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, blend the eggs, buttermilk, melted and cooled butter, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. This mixture brings the muffins their moisture, richness, and bright citrus flavor all in one go.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry with Care

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet bowl, mixing just until everything is combined. The batter will be quite thick but resist the urge to overmix, which can make muffins tough.

Step 4: Let the Batter Rest

Cover your batter with a towel and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This resting period helps develop the muffins’ crumb and allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare Your Muffin Pan

Set out your muffin liners in a 12-cup muffin pan, filling every other cup with a liner. This technique helps create bakery-style pumpkin tops with that perfectly domed cap on every muffin.

Step 6: Fill and Smooth the Muffins

Heap 8 to 10 tablespoons of batter into each lined muffin cup. Smooth the tops gently with a butter knife so they bake evenly. If you like, sprinkle sparkling sanding sugar on top for extra crunch and sparkle.

Step 7: Bake in Two Stages

Bake the muffins at 425ºF for 7 minutes to get a beautiful rise, then lower the temperature to 350ºF and bake another 15 to 17 minutes. This method ensures the muffins are perfectly cooked inside without burning.

Step 8: Cool Before Removing

Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 15 minutes to set their shape perfectly. Afterward, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 9: Glaze Your Muffins

Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and glossy. Adjust the liquid amount until you get a pourable consistency. Dip or drizzle the glaze on the cooled muffin tops, adding that final touch of tangy sweetness that ties everything together.

How to Serve Lemon Muffins with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

For a charming presentation, add a small sprig of fresh mint or a thin lemon twist atop the glaze. A light sprinkle of extra lemon zest also brightens the look and hints at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

These muffins are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a chilled glass of lemonade. For something heartier, serve alongside a bowl of creamy yogurt or fresh fruit salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or party, arrange these lemon muffins on a tiered cake stand alongside edible flowers for a festive touch. You can also serve them with small ramekins of clotted cream or lemon curd for guests to customize their experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Lemon Muffins with Lemon Glaze Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to two days without refrigeration.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these muffins freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months and thaw quickly.

Reheating

To enjoy your muffins warm, reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350ºF for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method helps maintain the glaze’s shine and brings back that freshly baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity and keep the muffins tender. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.

What if I don’t have sanding sugar for topping?

If you don’t have sanding sugar, you can leave off the topping or sprinkle with regular granulated sugar for some sparkle. Powdered sugar is not recommended as it won’t give the same crunch.

How do I get bakery-style muffin tops?

Fill muffin liners generously with batter to create the domed tops, and use the two-stage baking method—starting at a high temperature then lowering it—that encourages high rise without cracking excessively.

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, swap buttermilk for a dairy-free yogurt or milk alternative mixed with lemon juice. Use a dairy-free butter substitute to keep the texture moist and rich.

Is this Lemon Muffins with Lemon Glaze Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These muffins hold up well and make a bright, flavorful snack or breakfast option that you can pack ahead and enjoy throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Lemon Muffins with Lemon Glaze Recipe enough if you love a fresh and lively citrus treat with every bite. They bring such happiness and brightness to your baking repertoire with simple ingredients and easy steps. Once you try them, you’ll want to bake them again and again to brighten mornings, elevate teatimes, or share as a sunny gift with friends and family. So grab your lemons and spatula, and get ready to create a batch that will make your kitchen smell like a lemon orchard in full bloom!

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