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Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins

Featured in: Soft Sweet Citrus Treats

These muffins offer a moist and fluffy texture enriched with fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright citrus flavor. Combining simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, the batter comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection. A light sprinkling of coarse sugar tops off each muffin, adding a slight crunch to the tender crumb. Ideal for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up, these treats balance sweetness with citrus tang effortlessly, making them a timeless baked favorite.

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Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:00:00 GMT
Simple sweet lemon zest muffins, golden brown and fluffy, perfect for a cozy breakfast with a cup of coffee. Save to Pinterest
Simple sweet lemon zest muffins, golden brown and fluffy, perfect for a cozy breakfast with a cup of coffee. | citrusfern.com

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

This recipe has become a staple in my brunch gatherings because it's quick to prepare and universally loved.

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

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.
Image of Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, with visible lemon zest, ready to be enjoyed as a tasty dessert. Save to Pinterest
Image of Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, with visible lemon zest, ready to be enjoyed as a tasty dessert. | citrusfern.com

My family loves gathering around the kitchen table to enjoy these muffins fresh and warm from the oven.

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

Freshly baked Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, offering a delightful aroma and a tender, moist crumb texture. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins, offering a delightful aroma and a tender, moist crumb texture. | citrusfern.com

These lemon zest muffins are a delightful treat that brightens any day.

Simple Sweet Lemon Zest Muffins

Fluffy muffins with bright lemon zest and sweet, tender crumb, perfect for any time indulgence.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
18 minutes
Overall Time
33 minutes
Recipe by Citrus Fern Wyatt Palmer

Recipe Category Soft Sweet Citrus Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You 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
05 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Topping

01 2 tablespoons coarse or sparkling sugar

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Mix Wet and Dry: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Fill Muffin Cups: Divide batter evenly into muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Optionally, sprinkle tops with coarse sugar.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Cool Muffins: Let muffins cool in the 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 Details

Always review every ingredient for possible allergens. If unsure, chat with your healthcare provider first.
  • Contains eggs, milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and butter.
  • Check labels for possible cross-contamination if using packaged ingredients.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details provided to help guide you. For health decisions, speak with a professional.
  • Energy (kcal): 180
  • Fat Content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrate: 26 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams