Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins

Featured in: Weekend Laurel-Crust Specials

These moist and fluffy muffins combine all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and melted butter with fresh lemon zest and juice to create a tender crumb bursting with citrus brightness. Perfectly baked to a golden top and optionally sprinkled with coarse sugar, they make a delightful, easy-to-make treat suitable for brunch or a daily indulgence. Preparing them requires simple steps and common kitchen tools, offering a balance of tangy and sweet flavors in each bite.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:18:00 GMT
Golden-brown Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, fluffy and fragrant for a delightful breakfast treat. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, fluffy and fragrant for a delightful breakfast treat. | laurelcrust.com

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

This recipe has become a weekend favorite in my family&mdashthe perfect light treat that everyone enjoys.

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

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Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs milk melted butter lemon zest lemon juice and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined do not overmix.
Step 5:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups filling each about 2/3 full. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Step 6:
Bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
Step 7:
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
Check price on Amazon
Freshly baked Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, bursting with citrus zest, perfect alongside coffee. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, bursting with citrus zest, perfect alongside coffee. | laurelcrust.com

These muffins have brought many smiles to our breakfast table and always disappear quickly during brunch.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs Milk (dairy) Wheat (gluten) Butter If using packaged ingredients verify labels for potential cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information

Calories 180 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 26 g Protein 3 g per muffin

Fluffy Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, with a tender crumb, ready to enjoy for brunch or dessert. Save to Pinterest
Fluffy Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, with a tender crumb, ready to enjoy for brunch or dessert. | laurelcrust.com
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Enjoy these muffins fresh or frozen for a quick delightful snack anytime.

Recipe Q&A

What gives these muffins their bright lemon flavor?

Freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice provide a vibrant citrus brightness that defines the flavor profile.

Can I substitute the milk with another ingredient?

Yes, replacing half the milk with Greek yogurt adds a tangier note and enriches the texture of the muffins.

How do I ensure the muffins are moist and fluffy?

Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients without overmixing helps maintain a tender, fluffy crumb and prevents toughness.

Is it possible to freeze these muffins?

Absolutely, they freeze well when stored in an airtight container for up to two months, preserving their fresh taste and texture.

What is the purpose of the coarse sugar topping?

Sprinkling coarse or sparkling sugar before baking adds a delicate crunch and a subtle sweetness contrast on top of the muffins.

What temperature should I bake the muffins at?

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the muffins for 16 to 18 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins

Moist, fluffy treats bursting with bright lemon zest and juice, ideal for brunch or an afternoon snack.

Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
18 minutes
Total time
33 minutes
Recipe by Scarlett Jenkins


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 12 Servings

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

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

How To Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until blended.

Step 04

Incorporate Wet into Dry: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 05

Fill Muffin Cups: Distribute batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full. Optionally, sprinkle tops with coarse sugar.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Awareness

Always check each ingredient for possible allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, dairy (milk, butter), and wheat (gluten). Verify packaged ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.

Nutrition details (per serving)

For your reference only—don’t take this as medical advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Proteins: 3 g