Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (170g) whole wheat pastry flour or all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- Zest from 2 large lemons (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ cup (168g) honey
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup (113g) plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (preferably whole milk or 2%)
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ⅓ cup (67g) extra-virgin olive oil (or melted butter as substitution)
Optional Mix-in
- ¾ cup (113g) fresh blueberries
For the Glaze
- ½ cup (57g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon low sugar blueberry preserves (or jam of choice)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Muffin Cups: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with 9 muffin liners and spray the inside of each liner with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour), poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside to keep dry ingredients separate.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large separate bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, honey, eggs, Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the muffins.
- Add Olive Oil and Optional Blueberries: Slowly stir in the extra-virgin olive oil using a wooden spoon until the batter is smooth. If using, fold in the fresh blueberries carefully to distribute evenly without crushing.
- Fill the Muffin Tin and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the 9 prepared muffin cups. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Prepare Glaze: Once the muffins have completely cooled on a wire rack, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, blueberry preserves, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Add lemon juice gradually if the glaze is too thick to achieve desired consistency.
- Glaze the Muffins: Dip each cooled muffin into the glaze or spoon a teaspoon or two of the glaze on top. Place back on the wire rack lined with parchment paper and allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- To make these muffins gluten free, substitute a gluten free all-purpose flour blend.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt such as coconut-based or a brand like Siggi’s plant-based yogurt.
- Do not skip spraying the muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep muffins tender and light.
- The almond extract is optional and can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat