Fresh & Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Brighten up your mornings with these soft, moist lemon poppy seed muffins! Bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a subtle crunch from poppy seeds, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday treat. The combination of Greek yogurt and butter keeps them extra tender, while a hint of vanilla adds the perfect sweetness.

This beginner-friendly recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just a bowl, a whisk, and a muffin tin. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients (Makes 12 muffins)

For the Muffins:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup (180g) Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze (Optional but Recommended!):

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Equipment

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • Flour
   • Sugar
   • Poppy seeds
   • Baking powder
   • Baking soda
   • Salt
   • Lemon zest
2. Use your fingers to rub the lemon zest into the dry ingredients—this releases the natural oils for extra lemony flavor!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together:
   • Melted butter
   • Eggs
   • Greek yogurt
   • Fresh lemon juice
   • Vanilla extract
2. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

1. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture.
2. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or spoon until just combined. (Tip: Do not overmix! Overmixing can make the muffins dense instead of light and fluffy.)

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin & Bake

1. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
2. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Lemon Glaze (Optional, but Delicious!)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Drizzle over the cooled muffins for an extra burst of lemony sweetness.

Tips for the Best Muffins

✔️ Use fresh lemons – Fresh juice and zest give the best flavor! Bottled lemon juice won’t have the same brightness.
✔️ Don’t overmix the batter – Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
✔️ Let them cool before glazing – If you glaze while they’re too warm, the glaze will melt right off!
✔️ Store properly – Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your homemade Fresh & Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins with a cup of tea or coffee!  Which occasion will you bake them for? Let us know in the comments!