Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins for a Perfect Morning Treat
Introduction
These Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are the ideal combination of tangy lemon zest and rich cream cheese, making them a delicious treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. With a slightly sweet crumb topping and creamy filling, every bite is bursting with fresh citrus flavor.
Ingredients
For the Streusel Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the Muffins:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
2/3 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 ½ – 2 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions:
Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms small crumbs. Set aside.
Make the Muffin Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest, vanilla, lemon extract, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each cup, then add a dollop of cream cheese filling. Cover with more muffin batter, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin.
Bake: Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze the Muffins: In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled muffins for an added touch of sweetness.
Conclusion
These Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of tart and sweet. With a soft, moist interior and a tangy cream cheese filling, they are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or store them for a later snack!
Enjoy!