Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins: A Delightful Recipe for a Zesty Treat

Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat that perfectly balance tangy and sweet flavors, making them an irresistible choice for breakfast or a snack. As I first took a bite of these fluffy muffins, I was instantly transported to a sunny afternoon, where the bright citrus notes danced on my palate. The combination of creamy cheese and zesty lemon creates a moist texture that is simply divine.

These muffins have a rich history, often found in bakeries and homes alike, where they bring a touch of brightness to any occasion. People love Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins not only for their delicious taste but also for their convenience; they are easy to whip up and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for consistency)
• Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Batter

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins bake evenly and rise beautifully. 2. **Prepare the Muffin Tin**: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray. This will help prevent the muffins from sticking and make cleanup easier. 3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. 4. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The air incorporated during this step will help your muffins rise. 5. **Add Eggs and Flavorings**: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The zest and juice will give your muffins that delightful lemony flavor. 6. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

7. **Make the Cream Cheese Mixture**: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency. This filling will add a deliciously creamy center to your muffins.

Filling the Muffin Cups

8. **Fill the Muffin Tin**: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling them about one-third full. This layer will act as the base for your cream cheese filling. 9. **Add the Cream Cheese Filling**: Next, add about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter in each muffin cup. You can use a small cookie scoop or a spoon for this step. 10. **Top with Remaining Batter**: Finally, spoon another tablespoon of muffin batter over the cream cheese filling in each cup, ensuring that the filling is completely covered. This will help the filling stay inside the muffin as it bakes.

Baking the Muffins

11. **Bake**: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay, but no wet batter). The tops should be lightly golden. 12. **Cool the Muffins**: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important as it helps prevent sogginess.

Optional Glaze and Garnish

13. **Prepare the Glaze (Optional)**: If you want to add a little extra sweetness and shine to your muffins, you can make a simple glaze. In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed. 14. **Glaze the Muffins**: Once the muffins are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more decorative look. 15. **Garnish**: If you like, sprinkle some extra lemon zest on top of the glazed muffins for a pop of color and added flavor

Conclusion:

In summary, these Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to brighten up their breakfast or snack time. The delightful combination of zesty lemon and creamy cheese creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or as a quick grab-and-go treat, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your household. For serving suggestions, I love pairing these muffins with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also experiment with variations by adding poppy seeds for a delightful crunch or incorporating blueberries for a burst of fruity flavor. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative! I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creations. Let’s spread the love for these muffins together! Happy baking! Print