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- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup whole milk - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Optional: powdered sugar for dusting Every ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins. The all-purpose flour gives the muffins structure. Sugar sweetens the batter and helps with browning. Baking powder and baking soda are vital for a light and fluffy muffin. Salt enhances all the flavors. Cream cheese adds rich creaminess, while butter contributes moisture. The egg binds everything together. Whole milk keeps the muffins tender. Lemon zest and juice deliver that bright, zesty flavor we love. Finally, vanilla extract adds a warm note to the mix. If you want a little extra sweetness, powdered sugar makes a lovely dusting on top. You can find the full recipe in the section above. - Preheat to 350°F (175°C). - Line or grease the muffin tin. Start by preheating your oven. This helps the muffins bake evenly. Next, prepare your muffin tin. Use paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking. - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients. This includes all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they are well mixed for the best rise. - Beat cream cheese and butter. - Add egg, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Next, add the egg, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix them together on low speed until smooth. - Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture carefully. Now, carefully fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon. Be gentle; it’s okay if some lumps remain. Overmixing can make the muffins tough. - Fill muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes. - Check doneness with a toothpick. Using a scoop or large spoon, fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full. This allows room for rising. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. - Cool muffins in the tin for 5 minutes. - Dust with powdered sugar if desired. After baking, let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes. This makes them easier to remove. If you want a sweet touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins! For the full recipe, check the recipe section. To make your Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins soft, use room temperature ingredients. Cold ingredients can make the batter dense. Room temperature butter and cream cheese blend well, adding moisture. Also, don't overmix the batter. Mix until just combined. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Want a stronger lemon flavor? Add a bit of lemon extract. This small addition packs a punch. For texture, incorporate poppy seeds. They add a nice crunch and pair well with lemon. You can also try adding blueberries for extra sweetness. Serve your muffins on a decorative platter. This makes them look fancy and inviting. Garnish them with lemon slices or a sprig of mint. This adds a pop of color and freshness. For a sweet touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar. This simple step makes them look like a bakery treat. Try these tips to make your muffins stand out! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_4}} You can make these lemon cream cheese muffins even better with fun add-ins. - Blueberries or raspberries: These fruits add a burst of sweetness. - Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. Adding these flavors can enhance your muffins and make them special. Mix in about one cup of these add-ins when you combine the dry and wet ingredients. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix. This change keeps your muffins soft and tasty. Make sure the mix you choose has a good blend of starches and flours for the best results. If you want a sugar-free treat, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol. This option will keep your muffins sweet without added sugar. Use the same amount as granulated sugar in the recipe. Enjoy the same great taste while being mindful of sugar intake! You can find the full recipe to explore these variations and more ways to enjoy lemon cream cheese muffins. Store your lemon cream cheese muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. To keep them longer, freeze the muffins in a sealed bag. They last for up to 3 months in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy them anytime you want a treat. Just remember to label the bag with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy a muffin, thaw it overnight in the fridge. After it is thawed, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. This will bring back the soft and fluffy texture that you love. For more detailed steps on making these muffins, check the Full Recipe. Softened cream cheese and proper mixing technique contribute to moisture. Cream cheese adds richness. It keeps the muffins soft. Mixing well combines the ingredients without overworking them. This method helps keep the muffins fluffy and light. Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time in the morning. Just remember to stir the batter gently before baking. Freshly baked muffins are always best! When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This test is simple and effective. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake. Cream cheese is recommended for its texture and flavor, but mascarpone can be a great alternative. Mascarpone gives a slightly different taste. It also keeps the muffins rich and moist. However, cream cheese is the classic choice. They are delicious on their own, but serve with tea or coffee for a delightful treat. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch. You can also pair them with fruit or yogurt for a nice balance. Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are simple and delicious. We covered key ingredients, steps, and fun tips. Remember, using room temperature ingredients helps create a moist muffin. You can even try different flavors with added fruits or nuts. Store them easily for later enjoyment. Happy baking! Enjoy your tasty treats at any time.

Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

Indulge in the delightful taste of Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins! These fluffy treats are made with creamy goodness and fresh lemon for a burst of flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they are easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients. Discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with these delicious muffins. Click through to explore how to create your own today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 large egg

1/4 cup whole milk

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional: powdered sugar for a light dusting

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it lightly with non-stick spray.

    In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they are completely combined.

      In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

        Crack in the egg, then pour in the milk, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth.

          Gradually introduce the dry mixture to the wet mixture, gently folding the ingredients together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s perfectly fine if there are a few small lumps remaining.

            Using a scoop or large spoon, fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the batter to allow room for rising during baking.

              Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. They are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

                Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  If you’d like to add a sweet finishing touch, dust the tops of the cooled muffins lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the muffins on a pretty platter or individual serving plates. Add a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint as a garnish for an inviting look.