Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked muffin — especially when it’s bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a zesty lemon glaze. These Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze are soft, moist, and full of flavor, combining the sweetness of ripe blueberries with the bright tang of lemon.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of butter, vanilla, and citrus. One bite, and you’ll taste the balance between the sweet berries and the refreshing glaze that melts beautifully over the warm tops.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser. The muffins come out light and tender every single time, and the lemon glaze adds that elegant bakery-style finish that makes them feel special.

It’s also a recipe that’s forgiving and flexible — you can use fresh or frozen blueberries, adjust the sweetness, or make them mini-sized for bite-sized delights.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Moist, fluffy, and full of juicy blueberries
• Fresh lemon zest and glaze give a vibrant flavor twist
• Simple ingredients — no fancy tools or mixers needed
• Perfect for all occasions: breakfast, snack, or dessert
• Freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 standard muffins
• Calories: ~230 kcal per muffin

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Breakfast / Dessert / Snack

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon)
• 1 ½ cups (200g) fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tbsp flour (for coating blueberries)

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp lemon zest (optional for extra flavor)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
2. Whisk wet ingredients in another bowl.
3. Combine both mixtures and gently fold in blueberries.
4. Bake until golden and fluffy.
5. Drizzle with lemon glaze once cooled slightly.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly with butter or oil.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
   • Flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk:
   • Buttermilk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

1. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
2. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined — don’t overmix; a few lumps are fine.

Step 5: Add the Blueberries

1. Toss blueberries with 1 tbsp flour (this prevents them from sinking).
2. Fold them gently into the batter.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups

1. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about ¾ full each).
2. Optionally sprinkle tops with a little sugar for a crunchy crust.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
2. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Lemon Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and slightly thick.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more lemon juice (thinner) or sugar (thicker).

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

1. Once muffins have cooled slightly (about 10 minutes), drizzle lemon glaze over the tops.
2. Let the glaze set for 5–10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or milk.
• Perfect for brunch spreads, picnics, or dessert trays.
• For extra indulgence, add a pat of butter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the muffins soft and fluffy.
• Use fresh blueberries when in season; otherwise, frozen ones work perfectly.
• If using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw before adding to batter.
• For a stronger lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the batter.
• Muffins taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Variations

1. Blueberry-Lime Muffins: Replace lemon zest and juice with lime for a tropical twist.
2. Streusel Topping: Mix 2 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp sugar, and 2 tbsp flour — sprinkle on top before baking.
3. Healthier Option: Use half whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
4. Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
5. Mixed Berry Version: Use a blend of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh.

Freezing:

• Freeze unglazed muffins in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature, then glaze before serving for best texture and taste.

Special Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin (12-cup)
• Paper liners (optional but recommended)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Cooling rack

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Just add them straight from the freezer — no need to thaw.

Q2: Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. The muffins are delicious on their own, but the lemon glaze adds a delightful citrusy finish.

Q3: How can I make them dairy-free?
Use almond milk + 1 tsp vinegar instead of buttermilk and vegan butter or oil instead of regular butter.

Q4: Why did my muffins turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter or using old baking powder can make muffins dense. Mix gently and check freshness of ingredients.

Q5: How can I make jumbo muffins?
Use a 6-cup jumbo muffin tin and bake for 25–28 minutes instead of 20.

Conclusion

These Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and soft — a bakery-style treat you can easily make at home. They’re simple, comforting, and elegant all at once, with a burst of blueberry in every bite and a refreshing lemon finish that brightens your morning.

Whether you’re baking for brunch, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, these muffins promise to make any day feel a little more special.