Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins

Featured in: Warm Bake & Roast Recipes

These moist, fluffy muffins combine a bright lemon zest with a sweet, tender crumb that’s perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack. The batter blends all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking agents with fresh lemon juice, zest, eggs, milk, and melted butter to achieve a light texture and vibrant citrus flavor. Baking produces golden tops sprinkled optionally with coarse sugar for a subtle crunch. Variations include adding lemon extract or swapping part of the milk for Greek yogurt to create a tangier bite. Easy to prepare and ideal for sharing or freezing.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 08:29:00 GMT
Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, golden-brown and fluffy, offer delightful sweet-tart flavor, perfect for a brunch. Save
Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, golden-brown and fluffy, offer delightful sweet-tart flavor, perfect for a brunch. | birchwhisk.com

Moist, fluffy muffins bursting with bright lemon flavor and a sweet, tender crumb—perfect for a sunny brunch or an afternoon treat.

I have enjoyed making these muffins for my family on weekend mornings they always bring smiles to the table

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, 2 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest (about 2 medium lemons), 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Optional Topping: 2 tbsp coarse or sparkling sugar

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter
Mix Dry Ingredients:
Whisk together the flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt in a large bowl
Mix Wet Ingredients:
Whisk the eggs milk melted butter lemon zest lemon juice and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until well combined
Combine Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients Fold gently with a spatula until just combined do not overmix
Portion Batter:
Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups filling each about 2/3 full Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired
Bake:
Bake for 16 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and tops are lightly golden
Cool:
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Enjoy these Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, with light, airy tops and a sweet, zesty aroma, fresh from the oven. Pin it
Enjoy these Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, with light, airy tops and a sweet, zesty aroma, fresh from the oven. | birchwhisk.com

These muffins have become a family favorite especially enjoyed during weekend brunches with laughter and coffee

Optional Variations

Add blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a fruity twist or top with a lemon glaze for extra sweetness

Storage Tips

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months

Health Information

This recipe is vegetarian and provides a good source of protein and calcium from eggs and milk

Imagine warm, Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, their tender crumb bursting with bright citrus and a hint of vanilla. Pin it
Imagine warm, Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, their tender crumb bursting with bright citrus and a hint of vanilla. | birchwhisk.com

Enjoy these simple sweet lemon zest muffins warm or at room temperature with your favorite beverage

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these muffins moist?

Using melted butter combined with eggs and milk creates a tender, moist crumb that keeps the muffins soft after baking.

Can I add more lemon flavor?

Yes, incorporating lemon extract or extra lemon zest intensifies the citrus taste without altering the texture.

How do I avoid overmixing the batter?

Gently fold wet and dry ingredients until just combined; overmixing can cause tough muffins.

What is the purpose of baking soda and baking powder?

They act as leavening agents to help the muffins rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.

Can these muffins be frozen?

Yes, letting them cool completely before storing in an airtight container preserves freshness for up to two months.

Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins

Fluffy muffins bursting with bright lemon zest and sweet, tender crumb for a delightful treat.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
18 Minutes
Total Time
33 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 2 large eggs
02 1/2 cup whole milk
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
04 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest (from about 2 medium lemons)
05 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Topping

01 2 tablespoons coarse or sparkling sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly with butter.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well incorporated.

Step 04

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Fill muffin cups: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle coarse sugar atop if desired.

Step 06

Bake muffins: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.

Step 07

Cool muffins: Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools You'll Need

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or fine grater

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs, milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and butter. Verify labels for cross-contamination if using packaged ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
  • Protein: 3 g