Easy Lemon Drizzle Muffins Recipe (Moist & Tangy!)

These Lemon Drizzle Muffins offer a burst of sunshine with their incredibly moist texture, tangy lemon glaze, and delightful candied lemon pieces creating an utterly irresistible treat. I’ve baked countless batches of these myself, and they always vanish faster than I can make them a true testament to their bright, comforting flavor. They are wonderfully simple to whip up, requiring minimal prep time for such a rewarding result, making them perfect for a weekend baking project or a special snack any day.

A halved lemon muffin revealing its moist, fluffy texture, topped with a lemon twist and drizzled glaze.

Sharing a batch of these cheerful little cakes feels like spreading pure happiness. I often find myself enjoying one (or two) with a simple cup of herbal tea, maybe camomile or a light green tea, as the bright citrus pairs beautifully without overwhelming the delicate flavors. There’s something truly special about taking a moment to savor a homemade treat like this, a small pause in a busy day.

The little sugared lemon pieces on top are genuinely captivating. They offer a unique sweet and tart bite that complements the soft muffin perfectly. It is easy to find yourself nibbling just one more.

Crafting these sugared lemon delights is quite straightforward. You simply slice a lemon thinly, simmer the slices in a sweet sugar syrup, then give them a final dusting of extra sugar. Initially, they are a bit firm as they begin to dry, but they do soften and become wonderfully sticky over time. For the best texture and appearance, it is lovely to enjoy the muffins relatively soon after adding them.

Adding Poppyseeds to Your Lemon Muffins

If you are looking to add another dimension to this recipe, incorporating poppyseeds is a fantastic idea. Adding just a teaspoon of poppyseeds transforms these into lovely lemon poppyseed muffins. This simple addition brings tiny flecks of color and a subtle nutty flavor, adding an extra layer of interest in every bite.

Boosting the Bright Lemon Flavor

For those of us who simply cannot get enough lemon flavor, this recipe is very forgiving if you want to amp things up. I often add a little extra lemon zest into my batter when I am feeling bold. Feel free to increase the amount of zest called for in the recipe to suit your personal taste preferences and make the flavor truly pop. It is a simple change that yields deliciously bright results.

Golden-brown lemon muffins drizzled with white glaze and garnished with lemon slices, arranged on a black-and-white striped cooling rack.

Tips for Achieving Light and Fluffy Muffins

One of the most important secrets I can share for making muffins that are wonderfully light and fluffy is accurate ingredient measurement. Paying careful attention, especially to how you measure the flour, is key. Too much flour can weigh down the batter, resulting in dense, heavy muffins instead of the airy texture we are aiming for. Using the correct measuring techniques makes a real difference.

Equally crucial is how you mix the batter. Once you have combined your wet and dry ingredients, stir just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which also leads to tough, heavy muffins. A light hand is best here.

Finally, baking time matters significantly. Overcooked muffins can become dry and crumbly. Ovens vary quite a bit, so it is essential to use the baking time in the recipe as a guide rather than a strict rule. Start checking for doneness slightly before the minimum time, looking for visual cues like a golden-brown top and testing with a toothpick. Baking just until they are done ensures they stay moist and tender.

Close-up of lemon muffins with a glossy glaze dripping down the sides, placed on a white marble surface.

How to Make These Zesty Lemon Drizzle Muffins

  • Let’s walk through the simple process for creating these delightful treats.
  • You will start by combining the sugar and egg in a mixing bowl, whisking them together until they are blended.
  • Next, introduce the softened butter and vanilla extract to the mix, stirring everything until it is well combined.
  • Following that, incorporate the yogurt into the mixture, continuing to stir until it is fully integrated with the other ingredients.
  • In a separate bowl, you will whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda.
  • Then, add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients along with the fresh lemon zest.
  • Using a wooden spoon, gently stir all the ingredients together just until a batter forms. Remember to avoid overmixing at this stage.
  • Prepare your muffin tin by lightly greasing the holes or lining them with paper cases.
  • Fill the prepared muffin holes almost to the top with the batter. This amount of batter typically yields about 10 to 11 muffins.
  • Place the filled tin into your preheated oven and bake for the specified time, checking for a lovely golden-brown color and rise to ensure they are cooked through.
  • While the muffins are baking or cooling, you can prepare the beautiful sugared lemon slices to adorn them.
  • This is also the perfect time to prepare the tangy lemon glaze that will drizzle over the cooled muffins.
Lemon muffins with a lemon slice garnish, drizzled with glaze, displayed on a white plate with a fork nearby.

Storing Your Lemon Muffins

Once your muffins have completely cooled down, transfer them into an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for a day or two, but I find storing them in the fridge helps the glaze stay firm and fresh. When refrigerated in a sealed container, they should keep well for up to a week.

Moist lemon muffins drizzled with a white glaze and garnished with lemon zest, served on a white plate.

Can These Lemon Muffins Be Frozen

Absolutely, these lemon muffins freeze beautifully. Ensure they are fully cooled before packing them. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Frozen properly, they will keep for up to three months.

To thaw them, you can simply transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to enjoy them. Alternatively, if you need one sooner, you can let a muffin sit at room temperature for about an hour or so until it is thawed and ready to eat. Freezing is a great way to have a quick breakfast option, a treat for unexpected guests, or a delicious pick-me-up whenever you need it.

Golden-brown lemon muffins topped with a lemon slice and drizzled with glaze, arranged on a white plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do these lemon muffins last?

When stored in an airtight container, they typically stay fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Can I use bottled lemon juice for the glaze?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers the best flavor, but you can use bottled if necessary. Be aware the flavor may not be as bright.

Why did my muffins turn out dense?

This is usually caused by overmixing the batter or adding too much flour. Measure carefully and mix gently.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It is best to bake the muffins shortly after mixing the batter to ensure the leavening agents are most effective, giving you light muffins.

What is the best way to store the sugared lemon pieces?

Store them separately from the muffins in a single layer until just before serving, as they can become sticky on the muffins.

Can I use paper cupcake cases?

Yes, using paper cases in the muffin tin works perfectly well and can help the muffins maintain a lighter exterior color.

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A halved lemon muffin revealing its moist, fluffy texture, topped with a lemon twist and drizzled glaze.

Easy Lemon Drizzle Muffins Recipe (Moist & Tangy!)

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  • Author: Ryan Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 11 muffins
  • Category: Muffins
  • Method: Oven

Description

These Lemon Drizzle Muffins are wonderfully zesty and moist, topped with a sweet lemon glaze and finished with delightful little sugared lemon pieces for an irresistible treat! They are perfect for breakfast or a special snack any time!


Ingredients

For the Muffins

  • 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup minus 1 tablespoon (100 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) lemon yogurt or ¾ cup minus 2 tablespoons (150 ml) plain Greek yogurt mixed with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon curd
  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
  • zest of 1 large lemon

For the Sugared Lemons

  • ¾ cup (180 ml) water
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ a lemon cut into slices, then each slice further cut into quarters
  • extra 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup (120 grams) sifted confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃).
  2. Put the sugar and egg into a large mixing bowl. Mix them together using a fork or a balloon whisk until combined.
  3. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the bowl and stir everything together.
  4. Next, add the yogurt to the mixture and stir until it is fully incorporated.
  5. In a separate small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking soda.
  6. Add the combined flour and baking soda to the wet mixture. Also add the lemon zest at this time.
  7. Use a wooden spoon to stir all the ingredients together just until they are combined into a batter. Do not overmix.
  8. Lightly grease a 12-hole muffin tin. You can also use paper cupcake cases if you prefer. Using cases can help the muffins look a bit lighter on the outside.
  9. Fill the muffin holes almost to the top with the batter. This recipe usually makes about 10 to 11 muffins.
  10. Place the filled muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes. They are ready when they have risen and turned golden brown on top.
  11. When the muffins are baked, take them out of the oven. Let them cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes.
  12. After 10 minutes, carefully remove the muffins from the tin and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. While the muffins are baking or cooling, you can make the sugared lemon pieces. Pour the water and the first amount of sugar (¾ cup) into a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved and you have a simple syrup.
  14. Carefully add the lemon slices into the simmering syrup. Let them simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
  15. Turn off the heat under the pan. Leave the lemon slices in the hot syrup to cool for a few minutes.
  16. Pour the extra 2 tablespoons of sugar into a small shallow bowl.
  17. Carefully drain the lemon slices to remove excess syrup. Gently toss or dredge the drained lemon slices in the sugar in the small bowl until they are coated.
  18. Arrange the sugared lemon slices in a single layer on a plate or piece of parchment paper to dry slightly while the muffins cool.
  19. Once the muffins are fully cool, make the lemon glaze. Put the sifted confectioners’ sugar into a medium bowl.
  20. Add 1 tablespoon of the fresh lemon juice to the sugar. Mix with a balloon whisk or fork. You want the glaze to be thick enough to hold its shape for a few seconds when you lift the whisk, but thin enough to drizzle.
  21. If the glaze is too thick, add more lemon juice a teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until you reach the desired drizzling consistency.
  22. Use a spoon or whisk to drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled muffins.
  23. Top each drizzled muffin with a sugared lemon wedge just before serving.

Notes

  • The sugared lemon wedges can become sticky over time. It is best to enjoy the muffins shortly after adding the lemon pieces. If you are making them ahead, store the muffins without the lemon pieces. Coat the lemon pieces in fresh sugar just before you plan to serve the muffins.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 282 kcal
  • Sugar: 45 g
  • Sodium: 136 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 63 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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