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These lemon poppy seed muffins are delicious, moist, and so easy to make! They only require a handful of simple ingredients plus the final product is perfect for citrus flavor lovers and spring and summer baking!

Since you are here, make sure to check out this lemon poppy seed loaf cake, this Starbucks lemon loaf cake, these bakery-style blueberry muffins, this lemon poppy seed cake in a loaf pan, as well as this blueberry lemon loaf.

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This is the best lemon poppy seed muffin recipe ever!

The lemon poppyseed combo has one of the best flavor profiles and textures out there. It is perfect for those who love a strong lemon flavor without anything extra because sometimes there is beauty in the simpler things in life.

This recipe yields moist muffins with crunchy poppy seeds mixed in there and a fresh lemon flavors thanks to all the lemon goodness we used in it. So without further ado, here’s the recipe and happy baking!

Why you need to make this recipe!

These lemon muffins have a classic flavor combination that’s both sweet and tangy, with a bit of texture from the poppy seeds.
This recipe is relatively easy to make, and you can whip up a batch in just a few steps.
These muffins are so versatile and can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, as a snack, or even as a dessert.
They’re a great way to use up leftover lemons or poppy seeds that you might have in your pantry.
This is a crowd-pleaser recipe and is sure to impress your family or guests.
They’re perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the freezer for later.
You can easily customize this recipe by adding different glazes or toppings, such as lemon glaze or some fresh berries.
They’re a fun baking project to do with kids or friends.

Ingredients for this lemon poppy seed muffin recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make these tender muffins. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.

Granulated sugar
Sour cream – If you do not have sour cream feel free to use Greek yogurt instead.
Vegetable oil- Feel free to use canola oil or coconut oil instead as well.
Butter- Feel free to use salted or unsalted butter for these muffins.
Eggs
Buttermilk
Lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon extract– Using all of these different forms of lemon will allow us to create a stronger lemon flavor in these muffins.
Vanilla extract- We use a little vanilla extract to add extra depth of flavor to these muffins.
Flour- Ap flour works great for this recipe.
Baking powder & baking soda- This is gonna allow us to get taller muffin tops.
Salt- Always use a little salt in your baked goods to balance out the sweetness of your baked goods.
Poppy seed

How to make these lemon bakery-style muffins?

This is how you can make these delicious muffins. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!

In a medium bowl combine the dry ingredients
In a separate large bowl whisk the oil, butter, white sugar, eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and mix just until the flour mixture disappears.
Let the batter rest for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven.
Prepare your muffin pan by placing paper liners in each cavity and filling them up with the lemon muffin batter once it has finished resting.
Bake in the preheated oven and make the lemon syrup by combing granulated sugar, lemon peel, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and simmer.
Once the muffins are done baking allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes or until you can handle them safely, then remove from the muffin tin and dip each muffin top in the syrup. Allow your homemade muffins to cool down on a wire rack before enjoying them.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How to store lemon muffins?

These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days in an airtight container. You can also store them for longer (up to a week) in the fridge. Just keep in mind that when these muffins are stored in the fridge for a while their texture might change slightly and they will become a little bit more dense in the center.

Can I freeze these muffins for later?

Yes! To freeze your lemon cookies, wrap each one with plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

Once you are ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying them.

What’s the best way to serve these easy lemon poppy seed muffins, and are there any suggested beverage pairings?

These muffins are great on their own especially as soon as they come out of the oven and are still warm. You can also serve these with a side of jam, cream cheese, or softened butter.

I love enjoying these muffins with my morning coffee, but it goes so well with tea or even something as simple as a tall glass of whole milk!

What can I do instead of using lemon syrup for these lemon poppy seed muffins?

If you don’t want to use the lemon syrup you can dust your muffins with some powdered sugar or go a little deeper and make a sweet lemon glaze to go on top of your muffins. You can also sprinkle some extra poppy seeds on top of your simple lemon glaze for a fancier look.