Blueberry Muffins Recipe – A Perfect Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
If you’re craving a delightful, moist muffin bursting with fresh blueberries, then this blueberry muffin recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert, these muffins are easy to make and guaranteed to please the entire family. With a soft, tender crumb and a hint of citrusy lemon zest, these blueberry muffins are both comforting and refreshing. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to make these mouthwatering treats!
Ingredients for Blueberry Muffins
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Eggs | 2 |
Egg yolk | 1 |
Butter (softened) | 180g |
Sugar | 200g |
All-purpose flour (00) | 380g |
Baking powder | 1 tsp |
Baking soda | ½ tsp |
Salt | 1 pinch |
Vanilla bean (split) | 1 |
Whole milk | 250ml |
Lemon zest | 1 lemon |
Fresh blueberries | 250g |
Instructions for Blueberry Muffins
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Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients:
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully. Next, prepare the ingredients by softening the butter at room temperature. This helps the butter blend smoothly with the sugar to create a creamy base for the muffin batter. -
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed for several minutes, or until it becomes light, airy, and smooth. This step is key to ensuring your muffins are soft and fluffy. -
Add Eggs and Flavorings:
Crack the eggs into a small bowl, and add them one by one to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well after each addition, ensuring the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter. Add the egg yolk along with a pinch of salt, a ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and the seeds scraped from the vanilla pod. Continue mixing until everything is well blended. -
Incorporate Milk and Flour:
Slowly add the milk to the batter while mixing at low speed. Pour it in gradually to avoid splashing, until the batter becomes smooth and creamy. Afterward, sift together the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl, then gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the batter, which could lead to dense muffins. -
Add Zest and Blueberries:
Add the freshly grated zest of a lemon to the batter for a burst of citrus flavor. Next, carefully fold in the fresh blueberries, which will add bursts of juicy sweetness to every bite. Be gentle when folding in the berries to avoid crushing them, which could turn your batter a purple hue. -
Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Line your muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. Spoon the batter into the cups, filling each one all the way to the top to ensure they bake up tall and fluffy. This batter should make approximately 12 muffins. Save a small portion of the batter aside (about one-third) to decorate the tops of the muffins before baking. -
Top and Bake:
Before placing the muffins in the oven, sprinkle a few extra blueberries on top of each muffin for an extra burst of color and flavor. Put the tin in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes. The muffins should turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating they’re fully baked. -
Rest and Cool:
Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the muffins inside with the oven door slightly ajar for 5 minutes. This step helps the muffins set and prevents them from collapsing. After resting, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips for the Perfect Blueberry Muffins:
- Fresh Blueberries: Using fresh blueberries gives your muffins a burst of juicy sweetness. However, if fresh blueberries are not available, frozen blueberries can be used. Just make sure to fold them gently into the batter to avoid bleeding.
- Lemon Zest: The lemon zest adds a wonderful citrus note that balances out the sweetness of the blueberries. Don’t skip it!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best results. This helps to create a smooth and even batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing will result in tough muffins.
- Even Baking: If you have multiple muffin trays, rotate them halfway through the baking process for an even bake.
These blueberry muffins are perfect for any occasion – from cozy mornings with a cup of coffee to an afternoon tea treat. Soft, light, and packed with flavor, they are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making these muffins and savor the sweetness of fresh blueberries combined with buttery richness and a hint of citrusy lemon.
Happy baking, and be sure to share these muffins with loved ones to spread the joy!