Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients List

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• Optional: 1 tbsp lemon zest (for extra flavor)

Timing

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Blueberry Muffins from Scratch

Step 1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin with butter.

Step 2- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3- Combine the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4- Fold in the blueberries. Gently fold the blueberries into the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep those blueberries whole!

Step 5- Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy, and that’s okay!

Step 6- Spoon the batter into the muffin tin. Fill each cup about ¾ of the way full.

Step 7- Bake. Place the muffins in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8- Cool and enjoy. Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Which is Best for Muffins?

Both fresh and frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. I often use frozen blueberries because I always have a bag in the freezer. If using frozen, no need to thaw them—just toss them in the batter straight from the freezer. Fresh blueberries are lovely in the summer when they’re in season, giving the muffins a vibrant, juicy burst.

Tips for Baking Soft and Moist Blueberry Muffins

1- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the muffins dense. Mix until just combined.

2- Use room temperature ingredients. It helps the ingredients combine better, leading to fluffier muffins.

3- Add yogurt or sour cream. For extra moisture, replace some of the milk with a few tablespoons of plain yogurt or sour cream. It makes a world of difference!

Blueberry Muffin Variations to Try

1- Lemon Blueberry Muffins: Add 1 tbsp of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist.

2- Blueberry Crumble Muffins: Sprinkle a crumb topping made of butter, sugar, and flour on top before baking.

3- Healthy Blueberry Muffins: Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour and use honey instead of sugar.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Blueberry Muffins

1- Using too many blueberries. While it’s tempting to pack them in, too many blueberries can make the muffins soggy. Stick to the recommended amount.

2- Baking at too high of a temperature. Baking too hot can cause the muffins to rise too quickly and then collapse. Stick to 375°F for even baking.

3- Not using muffin liners or greasing the tin properly. This can cause the muffins to stick, making them difficult to remove.

How to Store and Keep Blueberry Muffins Fresh

• Room temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these muffins for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds before enjoying.

Delicious Toppings and Add-Ins for Blueberry Muffins

1- Streusel topping: Mix butter, flour, and sugar for a crumbly, sweet topping.

2- Cinnamon sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar before baking adds extra sweetness.

3- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for a bit of crunch.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Blueberry Muffins

These muffins pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast. If you want to turn them into a light lunch, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt with granola. My personal favorite is enjoying them with a drizzle of honey or butter for an afternoon snack.

The Health Benefits of Blueberries in Your Muffins

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K, which are great for your immune system and skin. They’re also low in calories and high in fiber, making these muffins a more nutritious option than other baked goods.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin):

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe that the whole family will love, these blueberry muffins are the way to go! They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, with all the tips and variations in this article, you can customize them to your liking. Happy baking, and don’t forget to let me know how they turn out!