The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins

Name: The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 egg; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 cups fresh blueberries; ½ cup milk

Published: July 2, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Flavored: The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon creates a bright and flavorful muffin.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have homemade muffins ready in no time.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack; they fit any occasion!
Freezable Treats: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick breakfasts on busy mornings.
Family-Friendly: Kids love these muffins! They’re great for getting little ones involved in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins, it’s essential to gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Muffin tin (jumbo or 12-cup)
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

Muffin tin: Ensures even baking and gives your muffins their shape.
Mixing bowls: Allows you to mix ingredients without mess.
Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, especially the batter.

Ingredients

For the Muffins

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
zest of 1 lemon
1 cup + 1 tablespoon (214 g) sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups (256 g) all-purpose or cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
2 cups fresh blueberries
½ cup milk or buttermilk

How to Make The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter, lemon zest, and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
2. This should take about 3–5 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. This will add richness to your muffins.

Step 4: Prepare Blueberries

In another bowl:
1. Toss the fresh blueberries with ¼ cup of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking in the batter during baking.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In yet another bowl:
1. Whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, and kosher salt.

Step 6: Mix Batters

Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed mixture:
1. Alternate with adding milk. Start with some dry ingredients followed by milk until everything is combined.
2. Gently fold in the floured blueberries until just mixed. Remember that the batter will be thick—this is okay!

Step 7: Prepare Muffin Tin

Grease your muffin tin (either jumbo or standard):
1. Use butter or non-stick spray to coat each muffin cup evenly.

Step 8: Fill Muffin Cups

Distribute your batter evenly among muffin cups:
1. Sprinkle each filled cup with the remaining tablespoon of sugar before baking.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes for jumbo muffins or roughly 18–25 minutes if using a standard muffin tin:
1. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
2. If necessary, return to oven for an additional couple of minutes.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Let your muffins cool in the pan for about 7 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack:
1. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container!

How to Serve The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins

Serving The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins can elevate your breakfast or brunch experience. These muffins are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance their delightful flavor.

Enjoy Them Fresh

Serve warm right out of the oven for a comforting treat.
Pair with a dollop of butter or cream cheese for added richness.

Add a Citrus Twist

Drizzle with lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice to intensify the citrus flavor.
Serve with a side of lemon curd for a refreshing contrast.

Pair with Beverages

Complement with freshly brewed coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast pairing.
Enjoy alongside a glass of cold milk or almond milk for a refreshing drink.

Create a Muffin Platter

Arrange assorted muffins including The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins on a platter for brunch gatherings.
Include other flavors like chocolate chip or banana nut to cater to different tastes.

How to Perfect The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins

To ensure you bake The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins, follow these simple tips. Each step will help you achieve the ideal texture and flavor.

Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter, ensuring even mixing and better rise.
Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold in the flour and blueberries to prevent tough muffins.
Check doneness carefully: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Cool before serving: Let muffins cool in the pan for about 7 minutes to help maintain their shape and moisture.
Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding nuts or coconut for extra texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins

Pairing side dishes with The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and granola for a nutritious side.
Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein that complements the muffins perfectly.
Smoothie Bowl – Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds.
Avocado Toast – Creamy avocado on whole-grain bread offers savory contrast to sweet muffins.
Breakfast Sausages – Crispy sausages add heartiness to your breakfast spread.
Chia Seed Pudding – A light, healthy pudding that pairs well with the muffin’s sweetness.
Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to balance flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can hinder the creaming process, resulting in dense muffins. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Mix until just combined, especially after adding flour, to keep them light and fluffy.
Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to too much flour, making muffins dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
Skipping the lemon zest: The zest adds essential flavor and brightness. Don’t skip this step; it elevates your muffins significantly.
Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different, so start checking your muffins a few minutes before the suggested baking time. They should be golden brown and a toothpick should come out clean.
Storing improperly: Storing warm muffins or not using airtight containers can result in soggy or stale treats. Allow them to cool completely before storing them properly.

Refrigerator Storage

Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins

Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins

Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and wrap muffins in foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Warm each muffin for 15-20 seconds on high. Be careful not to overheat, as they may become rubbery.
Stovetop: Place a muffin in a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins?

These muffins are light, fluffy, and packed with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon flavor. The combination of butter, sugar, and zest creates a delightful taste that sets them apart.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes! You can use frozen blueberries, but do not thaw them beforehand. Add them directly to the batter for best results.

How do I make these muffins gluten-free?

To make gluten-free versions of The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum.

How long will these muffins stay fresh?

When stored correctly, these muffins will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, swap blueberries for other berries, or adjust sweetness according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

These The Best Lemon-Blueberry Muffins are perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Their bright flavor and moist texture make them irresistible! Plus, you can easily customize them by adding different fruits or nuts. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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