Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the creamy goodness of cream cheese. Imagine biting into a warm muffin, where the tangy lemon flavor dances with the smoothness of cream cheese filling, just melting in your mouth. Sounds tempting, right?

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These muffins are perfect for any time of day, whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or a crowd-pleasing addition to a brunch gathering. They strike the perfect balance between tart and sweet, and the poppy seeds add a nice crunch that keeps things interesting. It’s not just about the flavor, though; the process of making these muffins is a joy in itself! So grab your apron and let’s get started on creating these scrumptious Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins works because of its careful balance of ingredients. The cream cheese adds moisture and a rich flavor, while the fresh lemon zest and juice bring a bright, tangy note that wakes up your taste buds.

Furthermore, using room temperature ingredients helps create a smooth batter that rises beautifully in the oven. The combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures a perfect lift, resulting in muffins that are fluffy on the inside while crispy on the outside. When you follow these simple steps, you’re set up for muffin success!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

You will love these Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients. Second, the delightful citrus aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is sure to brighten your day. Each bite offers a wonderful mix of textures, and who doesn’t love that cream cheese surprise at the center?

These muffins are perfect for sharing but equally satisfying to enjoy by yourself. Once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your collection. Friends and family will appreciate the homemade touch, and you will bask in the compliments!

Ingredients

To create these irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup White granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons Lemon zest (from 2 large lemons or 4 small lemons)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1/4 cup Sour cream (or Greek yogurt), room temperature
• 1/2 cup Milk, room temperature
• 4 ounces Cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons White granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon Milk (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon All-purpose flour (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract (for filling)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon zest (for topping)
• 1/4 cup White granulated sugar (for topping)

Gathering these ingredients beforehand makes the baking experience smooth and enjoyable, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute!

Mixing Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing your dry ingredients, as this step is crucial for an even texture. In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. This ensures everything is well combined, helping the muffins rise perfectly. Once mixed, set this bowl aside for later use.

Combining Wet Ingredients

Next, move on to the wet ingredients. In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, sour cream, and milk. Whisk these together until just combined. Remember, it’s okay if there are a few lumps from the sour cream. That small imperfection adds to the charm!

Incorporating Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Carefully add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to mix until just incorporated. Be gentle and avoid overmixing; we want the muffins to stay light and fluffy. The mixture should be somewhat lumpy, and that’s perfectly fine!

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, prepare the cream cheese filling. Beat the cream cheese with white sugar using a hand mixer until it’s smooth. Then, add in the milk, flour, and vanilla, continuing to mix until everything is fully combined. Once your filling is ready, transfer it to a piping bag. Cut a 1/2-inch opening at the bottom for easy filling.

Making Lemon Sugar Topping

For a yummy finishing touch, prepare your lemon sugar topping. In a small bowl, mix the lemon zest with 1/4 cup of sugar. Use your fingers to press the zest into the sugar. This step releases the flavorful oils, enhancing the overall taste of your muffins. Set this mixture aside for later.

Scooping Muffin Batter

Now, let’s get baking! Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with 6 muffin liners. Make sure to leave enough space between them, so they rise beautifully. Allow the muffin batter to rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period helps the muffins achieve optimal height during baking.

Using a large cookie scoop, fill each muffin liner about 3/4 full with the batter. Then, take your piping bag filled with cream cheese and gently insert the tip into the batter. Squeeze a dollop of filling into each muffin. This will be the delightful surprise everyone will love!

Adding Lemon Sugar Topping

Once you have filled the muffin liners, sprinkle the lemon sugar mixture generously over the tops. This not only adds sweetness but also a lovely crunch once baked.

Baking the Muffins

Bake your muffins in the preheated oven at 425°F for 8 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for another 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with a few crumbs clinging to it.

Cooling the Muffins

After removing the muffins from the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Once they’re cool enough to handle, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps maintain their texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Serve them at a brunch gathering alongside coffee or tea, and watch your friends’ faces light up! They also make for a delightful sweet snack throughout the day. Pairing them with a nice cup of tea or enjoying one on a quiet afternoon is perfect.

Tips for Success

• Room temperature ingredients make for a smoother batter, so plan ahead!
• Avoid overmixing; it’s key to keeping your muffins tender.
• Letting the batter rest for 15 minutes is crucial for achieving that perfect rise.

Variations

Feel free to switch it up! Consider adding blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist. You might also experiment with almond extract for a nutty flavor. Different citrus zests, like lime or orange, can bring a fresh spin to the classic recipe!

Storage Tips

Any leftovers? No problem! Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months. Just give them a few minutes in the oven to warm before enjoying!

Pairing Ideas

These muffins pair wonderfully with cream cheese frosting or a light lemon glaze. They also complement yogurt or fresh fruit beautifully. Serve them as part of a larger spread or as a delightful standalone treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but it may slightly change the muffins’ texture.

2. How can I tell when the muffins are done baking?
Use a toothpick to check; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.

3. Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese and milk.

4. How do I make the lemon sugar topping?
Mix lemon zest with granulated sugar until well combined.

5. What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice flavor.

These Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins will elevate any breakfast or snack moment with their zesty brightness and creamy delight. Perfectly fluffy, they offer a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, guaranteed to leave you craving more. Enjoy them fresh, share them with friends, or savor them alone with a cup of your favorite brew—you can’t go wrong!

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