Blueberry muffins are a classic breakfast treat that never goes out of style. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or as a quick snack on the go, these muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings. Packed with juicy blueberries and a hint of vanilla, these muffins are moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make perfect blueberry muffins at home, ensuring you get delicious results every time.
Ingredients for Blueberry Muffins
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating blueberries)
- Optional: coarse sugar for topping
How to Make Blueberry Muffins
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
- Prepare Blueberries: If using fresh blueberries, rinse and dry them thoroughly. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter. Toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, being careful not to crush them.
- Fill Muffin Tins: Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. If desired, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: These blueberry muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins and thaw as needed.
About the Main Ingredients
Blueberries
Blueberries are the star of this recipe, providing bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making these muffins not only delicious but also nutritious. Fresh blueberries work best, but frozen blueberries are a convenient alternative when fresh ones are not in season. Just remember to coat them in flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter.
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour forms the base of the muffin batter, giving the muffins their structure. It’s important to measure the flour correctly to avoid dense muffins. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the most accurate measurement.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil keeps the muffins moist and tender. Unlike butter, oil remains liquid at room temperature, ensuring the muffins stay soft even after they cool. If you prefer, you can substitute the oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
Sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the muffins and helps to create a tender crumb. If you prefer a slightly less sweet muffin, you can reduce the amount of sugar by a couple of tablespoons.
Baking Powder
Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the muffins rise, making them light and fluffy. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best results, as expired baking powder can lead to flat, dense muffins.
Egg
The egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the muffins. It also helps to create a light and fluffy texture.
Milk
Milk adds moisture and helps to create a tender crumb. You can use any type of milk you prefer, including dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or soy milk.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the muffins, adding a warm, sweet note that complements the blueberries perfectly.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to make delicious blueberry muffins that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these muffins are easy to make and always a hit. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends!
