These fluffy muffins are a delightful treat for breakfast, a snack, or even as a light dessert. The combination of eggs, yogurt, and melted butter creates a moist texture, while the fresh citrus zest adds a refreshing touch of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these muffins that are sure to be loved by everyone in the family. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or on their own, these muffins are light, soft, and full of flavor!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 18-22 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 150 g white sugar
- 60 ml cold milk
- 60 ml sunflower oil
- 100 g cold melted butter
- 125 g unsweetened plain yogurt
- 8 g vanilla sugar
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 16 g baking powder
- Zest of one lemon or orange
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and white sugar until light and creamy.
- Add the cold milk, sunflower oil, and cold melted butter to the bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Stir in the unsweetened plain yogurt and vanilla sugar, ensuring everything is thoroughly mixed.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the lemon or orange zest to the flour mixture, giving it a quick stir to distribute the zest evenly.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
5. Fill and Bake
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
- Bake 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 and spring back when lightly pressed.
6. Serve
- Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are perfect on their own or with a light spread of butter, honey, or jam. You can also serve them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack or breakfast.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the muffins dense. Mix until just combined for light, airy muffins.
- Even Muffins: For even baking, try to spoon the batter into the muffin tin evenly.
- Citrus Zest: The zest of lemon or orange adds a refreshing citrus flavor, but you can use both if you want a more complex flavor.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing them into the batter.
Variations to Try
- Blueberry Muffins: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a burst of flavor and color.
- Chocolate Chip Muffins: Stir in a cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Whole Wheat Muffins: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Spiced Muffins: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggs: Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, eggs help support muscle growth and overall health.
- Yogurt: Contains probiotics that promote gut health and is a good source of calcium.
- Citrus: Rich in vitamin C, citrus fruits boost the immune system and provide antioxidant benefits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor. The combination of ingredients ensures they stay moist while the golden brown tops offer a satisfying crunch. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, these muffins are quick, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends!
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the muffins the night before and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave. -
Can I use other fruits in the muffins?
Yes, you can add fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist. -
Can I use a different type of oil?
You can use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil in place of sunflower oil. Each will slightly change the flavor, but both work well in this recipe. -
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, you can freeze the muffins. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. -
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar to make the muffins less sweet, but it may affect the texture slightly. You can also substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.