Blueberry muffins are a beloved classic that bring a touch of comfort and sweetness to any day. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. With their moist, tender crumb and burst of juicy blueberries in every bite, they’re a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe for blueberry muffins is simple to follow and yields delightful results every time.
What makes blueberry muffins so irresistible? It’s the combination of sweet, ripe blueberries with a soft, buttery batter. This recipe also includes a touch of lemon zest to brighten the flavor, creating a perfect balance between sweet and tart. The addition of a crumbly streusel topping gives the muffins a delightful texture and extra sweetness.
Ingredients for Perfect Blueberry Muffins
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the muffins.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds depth and moisture to the muffins.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Provides richness and flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 cup whole milk – Makes the batter smooth and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor to the muffins.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries – Provides bursts of flavor and color.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Adds a fresh, citrusy note to the muffins.
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the topping.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Binds the topping ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps create a crumbly texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, spicy note.
How to Make Perfect Blueberry Muffins
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Streusel Topping:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to work the butter into the sugar and flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Muffin Batter:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Add the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar, and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with 1 cup whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries and 1 tablespoon lemon zest, being careful not to break up the berries.
4. Fill the Muffin Cups:
- Spoon Batter: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Add Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over each muffin.
5. Bake and Cool:
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
About the Main Ingredients
Blueberries
Blueberries are the star ingredient in this recipe. They are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, adding both flavor and nutrition to the muffins. Fresh blueberries work best, but if using frozen, do not thaw them to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour provides the structure for the muffins. It’s versatile and commonly used in baking to create the desired texture in baked goods.
Unsalted Butter
Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the muffins. It also helps in creating a tender crumb. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Granulated and Brown Sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the muffins, while brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. The combination of both sugars helps achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Baking Powder
Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and become fluffy. It reacts with the liquid ingredients to create air bubbles that expand during baking.
Whole Milk
Whole milk adds moisture and richness to the batter. It also helps to create a smooth texture in the muffins.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the muffins, complementing the blueberries and adding depth to the sweet profile.
These Perfect Blueberry Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of blueberries with a tender, buttery crumb. With their sweet streusel topping and light, fluffy texture, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. This recipe is straightforward and yields consistently delicious results. Enjoy the process of baking these muffins and the delightful aroma they bring to your kitchen.
