Delicious Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Lemon blueberry muffins have been a beloved treat for many years due to their tangy and sweet flavors that complement each other perfectly. These muffins offer a delightful balance of freshness and simplicity, making them perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, defrosted)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tbsp)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Mix together the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Stir gently to blend them thoroughly.

Add the blueberries and melted butter into the dry mixture. Fold everything carefully until just combined; avoid overmixing which can lead to tough muffins.

In another medium sized bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture in two or three additions. Fold just until combined – it's important not to overmix as this will make the muffins dense rather than fluffy.

Cooking Time

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Once preheated, divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Bake for about 20-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Servings

This recipe yields approximately twelve lemon blueberry muffins. Each serving is estimated at around one and a half muffins depending on how you portion them out after baking.

Storage Tips

Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, they can be frozen individually wrapped and will keep their quality for about two months when kept in the freezer. Thaw them by simply taking the desired amount out of the freezer overnight or warm them up quickly by placing them directly on the oven rack preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

Health Considerations

These muffins are a rich source of antioxidants from both lemon and blueberries. They also provide fiber thanks to the whole grain flour used in their preparation. However, they should be enjoyed as an occasional treat due to their higher sugar content.

Variations and Substitutions

1. For a sweeter version: Add more sugar or use honey instead of granulated sugar to taste.
2. To reduce sweetness: Use unsweetened yogurt in place of sour cream. Alternatively, you can increase the amount of lemon zest to counterbalance the reduced sugar content.
3. Incorporating other fruits: Replace blueberries with another fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries if preferred.

Lemon blueberry muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you're looking for something quick and easy to make, or want to impress your friends at a brunch gathering, these muffins are sure to please. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries makes them irresistible every time.