Blueberry Muffins

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 cups fresh blueberries (frozen blueberries also work, just be sure not to thaw them before adding)
• 1 tablespoon flour (for coating the blueberries, optional but helps to prevent them from sinking)

For a little extra sweetness and crunch, you can sprinkle the tops of the muffins with sugar before baking.

How to Make Blueberry Muffins

Making these blueberry muffins is quick and easy, with just a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the muffins from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside for now. The dry ingredients are the foundation of your muffin batter, and whisking them together helps ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter and sugar. Beat them together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air into the batter, helping to create a tender, fluffy muffin texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. The eggs and vanilla add richness and flavor to the batter.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start with a little flour mixture, then pour in a bit of milk, and continue until all ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense muffins. Stir just until everything is incorporated, and the batter is smooth.

Step 6: Add the Blueberries

Toss your blueberries with a tablespoon of flour. This helps to coat the berries and prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, taking care not to crush them.

Step 7: Scoop the Batter into Muffin Tin

Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to divide the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin. Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way full to allow room for the muffins to rise while baking.

Step 8: Add the Sugar Topping (Optional)

For a little extra sweetness and texture, sprinkle some granulated sugar on top of each muffin before baking. This creates a beautiful, sugary crust on top of the muffins.

Step 9: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your muffin tin.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Tips for Perfect Blueberry Muffins

1. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can cause the muffins to be dense and tough.
2. Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: While fresh blueberries yield the best results, frozen blueberries can be used if that’s what you have on hand. If using frozen, do not thaw them beforehand, as this can cause them to bleed into the batter and turn the muffins blue.
3. Add a Flavor Boost: For an extra pop of flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. The citrus complements the sweetness of the blueberries perfectly.
4. Make Them Even More Decadent: Add a streusel topping by mixing together some flour, brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon, then sprinkle it on top of the muffin batter before baking.
5. Storage: These muffins are best eaten within a couple of days, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and enjoy them within 3 months.

Why These Blueberry Muffins Are a Favorite

• Comforting and Delicious: There’s something inherently comforting about fresh-baked muffins, and the juicy blueberries in every bite make these muffins irresistible.
• Versatile: Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or packing them in a lunchbox, these muffins are perfect for any time of day.
• Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry ingredients, you can create bakery-quality muffins that taste like they came from your favorite café.
• Perfect for All Occasions: From casual family breakfasts to special occasions like brunch or holiday gatherings, these muffins fit perfectly into any event.

Conclusion

These Blueberry Muffins are the perfect treat to bake when you’re craving something sweet, simple, and satisfying. With their fluffy texture, fresh blueberry flavor, and easy preparation, they’re bound to become a staple in your baking routine. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert, these muffins will quickly win over anyone who tries them. So, preheat that oven, grab your ingredients, and start baking—because these muffins are too good to pass up!