Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins with Glossy Lemon Glaze

If you’re a fan of citrusy, zesty treats with a smooth, rich twist, then these Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins with Glossy Lemon Glaze are the perfect recipe for you. These muffins combine the light, fluffy texture of freshly baked muffins with the tangy richness of cream cheese and the refreshing burst of lemon. The result is a delightful balance of sweet and tart that will brighten your day with every bite. Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even as a dessert, these muffins are simple to make but pack an impressive punch of flavor. The addition of the glossy lemon glaze on top adds just the right finishing touch to these already irresistible treats, making them the ultimate indulgence for any lemon lover.

These muffins are light yet rich, thanks to the cream cheese in the batter, which creates a soft and tender crumb. The hint of lemon zest and juice elevates the flavor, creating a refreshing and tangy contrast to the creamy base. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch gathering or enjoying them with your morning coffee, these Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins will surely become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy, Rich Texture

The cream cheese adds a rich, velvety texture to the muffins, making them soft and moist.

2. Zesty Lemon Flavor

The combination of lemon zest and lemon juice brings a refreshing and tangy flavor that brightens up each bite.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and can be made in under 45 minutes, perfect for a last-minute treat.

4. Glossy Lemon Glaze

The glossy lemon glaze on top adds a shiny finish and a burst of extra lemon flavor, making these muffins even more delicious.

5. Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing

These muffins are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light dessert, making them suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Milk
• Egg
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Variations

• Blueberry Lemon Muffins: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
• Poppy Seed Muffins: Mix in a tablespoon of poppy seeds for added texture and a classic lemon-poppy seed combination.
• Lemon Raspberry Muffins: Incorporate fresh raspberries into the batter for a tart contrast to the creamy lemon flavor.
• Vegan Version: Swap the egg and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like plant-based cream cheese and flax eggs for a vegan-friendly option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the melted butter, milk, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. This will allow space for the muffins to rise while baking.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins

Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the glossy lemon glaze over the top.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins, so stir gently and only until the ingredients are combined.
• Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon zest and juice rather than bottled lemon juice.
• Check Muffins Early: Check the muffins a few minutes before the end of the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking, as oven temperatures may vary.

How to Serve

These muffins are perfect on their own, but they can be elevated with a side of whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra special treat. Serve them at breakfast with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy them as a sweet snack throughout the day. These muffins also make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread or as a gift for loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them a little fresher, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze these muffins for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave the muffins for about 15-20 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or even ricotta for a different creamy texture.

2. Can I make the muffins without the glaze?

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet option, you can skip the glaze and enjoy the muffins as they are.

3. How can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes to make these muffins dairy-free.

4. Can I add other fruits to the muffins?

Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced strawberries would be great additions to these muffins.

5. Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized ones?

Yes, simply adjust the baking time to 12-15 minutes for mini muffins.

6. Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, you can freeze these muffins for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before freezing.

7. How can I make these muffins fluffier?

Make sure not to overmix the batter, and use a light hand when filling the muffin cups to ensure they stay fluffy.

8. Can I use a different type of citrus?

Yes, you can substitute lemon with lime or orange for a different citrus twist.

9. Can I make these muffins without eggs?

Yes, you can use an egg substitute like flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer.

10. How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin—if it comes out clean, the muffins are done.

Conclusion

Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins with Glossy Lemon Glaze are a delightful and refreshing treat that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the creamy richness of cream cheese. These muffins are quick to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, gifting them to a friend, or enjoying them with your morning coffee, these muffins are sure to be a hit. The combination of light, fluffy texture and a glossy, sweet glaze is the perfect way to brighten up your day!

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