Get ready to elevate your morning routine with these irresistible Citrus Poppy Seed Muffins that burst with bright, tangy flavors and a delightful crunch! Imagine biting into a moist, tender muffin that combines the sunny freshness of orange and lemon zest with the subtle nuttiness of poppy seeds – it's like a breakfast vacation in every single bite. Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick morning treat or a baking enthusiast searching for the next crowd-pleasing recipe, these muffins are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, egg, orange zest, and lemon zest. Whisk these wet ingredients until thoroughly blended.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture using a rubber spatula, stirring just until the ingredients are incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough muffins.
- Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light citrus glaze.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your egg and milk are at room temperature for a smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
- The Mixing Mantra: Remember, muffin batter is all about the gentle touch! Overmixing leads to tough, dense muffins. Stop stirring as soon as the dry and wet ingredients are just combined.
- Zest Like a Pro: When zesting citrus, only remove the colorful outer layer. The white pith underneath can add bitter notes to your muffins.
- Even Baking Trick: Rotate your muffin tin halfway through baking to ensure uniform golden-brown tops.
- Storage Hack: These muffins stay fresh for 2-3 days in an airtight container at room temperature, or you can freeze them for up to a month for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top of the muffins before baking for a delightful crunch and sparkle!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 190kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
