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Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

These Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins are a delightful mix of bright citrus and buttery richness, perfect for a sunny morning or as a sweet treat for brunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds
Wet Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1/4 cup butter (melted, salted or unsalted)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp lemon extract (optional)
Lemon Simple Syrup
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 lemon peel of one lemon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a muffin pan with paper muffin cups.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, poppy seeds, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, lemon juice, lemon extract, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until glossy.
  4. Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
Baking
  1. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
  2. Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Making Simple Syrup
  1. While the muffins bake, combine the lemon juice, sugar, and lemon peel in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves to create a syrup.
Serving
  1. Let muffins cool in the pan for 3-4 minutes. Poke each muffin and brush with the lemon syrup until absorbed.
  2. Transfer to a cooling rack before serving.

Notes

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Room temperature eggs help create a better batter consistency. Fresh lemon zest is key for flavor.