Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Muffin Batter:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense muffins.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
   In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk to help it become spreadable.
4. Assemble the Muffins:
   Spoon a small amount of muffin batter into each muffin cup, filling it about halfway. Then, add a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each muffin. Top with more muffin batter, covering the cream cheese completely. Fill each muffin cup until about three-quarters full.
5. Bake the Muffins:
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the cream cheese) comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Tips for Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins

• Use Fresh Lemon: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. It really makes a difference in terms of brightness and freshness.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before using it in the filling. Cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy filling that’s hard to mix smoothly.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing muffin batter can lead to dense muffins. Stir until just combined for the fluffiest results.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to adjust the cream cheese filling. If you like a tangier flavor, add a bit more lemon juice or zest to the filling for an extra punch.

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Why You Should Make These Muffins Today

These Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with the added richness of cream cheese making them extra indulgent. They’re incredibly versatile, whether you want them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert. Their moist texture and refreshing flavor make them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, and they’re easy enough to whip up on a whim.

With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy these zesty muffins in no time. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Tea or Coffee: These muffins pair wonderfully with your favorite cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea time.
• Top with a Glaze: For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice over the muffins.
• Freeze for Later: These muffins freeze well, so you can make a big batch and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat them for a quick and tasty breakfast on busy mornings.

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Give these Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins a try, and let the burst of citrus and the creamy center brighten your day! 🍋🧀