Discover the perfect start to your day with our Zesty Morning Delight muffins, featuring lemon zest, cream cheese, and a touch of vanilla for a mouthwatering treat!
Zesty Morning Delight: Irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins
There's nothing quite like the invigorating aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through the kitchen to kickstart your morning. If you're looking to brighten your day with a burst of citrus and a creamy surprise, these Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect choice. With a tantalizing combination of tangy lemon and rich cream cheese, these muffins offer a delightful balance of flavors. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. So, let’s dive into baking these luscious treats!
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Step 2: Make the Muffin Batter
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next.
5. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. Mix until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
7. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Muffins
8. Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of muffin batter into the bottom of each prepared muffin cup.
9. Add a small dollop (about 1 tablespoon) of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter in each cup.
10. Top each with more muffin batter until the cups are about 3/4 full.
Step 5: Bake the Muffins
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional)
13. While the muffins are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
14. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins for an extra citrusy touch.
Conclusion
There you have it—Zesty Morning Delight: Irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins that are sure to enchant your taste buds and elevate your breakfast game. The combination of luscious cream cheese and zesty lemon makes these muffins a standout treat. Perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, a delightful addition to brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, they’ll leave you reaching for seconds. Enjoy these muffins with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and let the bright flavors invigorate your day!