Description
Zesty lemon cream cheese muffins bring sunshine to breakfast tables with their tangy, moist perfection. Creamy, delicate pastries promise a delightful morning treat you’ll savor down to the last delectable crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 lemons (zest and juice)
Leavening Agents:
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the muffins.
- Incorporate cream cheese into the butter mixture, blending until completely smooth and well integrated.
- Whisk in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, mixing until the batter becomes uniform.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a tender muffin texture.
- Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix and create tough muffins.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Add a splash of extra lemon juice or zest to intensify the citrus flavor for true lemon lovers.
- Swap regular milk with buttermilk to create an even more tender and moist muffin texture.
- Fold in fresh blueberries or poppy seeds for added complexity and delightful flavor variations.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this tangy treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 218
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg