Blueberry Doughnut Muffins

These Blueberry Doughnut Muffins are the perfect blend of fluffy muffin and sweet doughnut, bursting with juicy blueberries and brightened up with a hint of lemon zest. Imagine biting into a warm muffin that tastes like a doughnut – yes, please! They make for an ideal breakfast treat, snack, or even dessert. Let’s dive into how to create these delightful goodies right in your kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets these Blueberry Doughnut Muffins apart from your average muffin is the unique combination of flavors and textures. The addition of lemon zest not only enhances the blueberry flavor but also adds a refreshing brightness that balances the sweetness. The muffins are soft and tender, thanks to the mix of vegetable oil and butter, while the melted butter glaze on top gives them that classic doughnut finish. These muffins are sure to impress both family and friends, making them a standout at any brunch or gathering.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 2 lemons (zest)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup confectioners sugar, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon warm water

Must-Have Equipment

• Muffin Tin: Essential for baking the muffins evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need various sizes for mixing wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Rubber Spatula: Useful for folding in the blueberries without breaking them.
• Cooling Rack: Helps cool the muffins quickly after baking.

Method: Blueberry Doughnut Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your muffins bake evenly from the moment they go in.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners for easy removal.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, and vegetable oil. Beat until well combined and creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract until blended.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 6: Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in the fresh blueberries using a rubber spatula. This helps keep the berries intact while ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While the muffins are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and warm water until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.

Step 9: Glaze the Muffins

Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. While they are still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top of each muffin for that irresistible doughnut finish.

Substitutions by Diet

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and nut milk instead of regular milk.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar by half or use a sugar alternative like erythritol.
• Egg-Free: Use a flaxseed meal egg substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).

Notes from the Test Kitchen

These Blueberry Doughnut Muffins are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be stored for a few days. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon zest or juice to the glaze. For a fun twist, you can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for an added depth of flavor. This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re baking for a crowd!

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To store, keep the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen blueberries can be used; just make sure to fold them in gently to avoid breaking them apart. You may want to adjust the baking time slightly as they can add extra moisture.

How can I make these muffins less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar in the recipe. Start by cutting each by 1/4 cup and adjust to your taste.

Can I add other fruits to the muffins?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other berries like raspberries or chopped strawberries, or even diced apples for a different flavor profile.

What should I do if my muffins come out dense?

Dense muffins may result from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and mix just until combined for light and fluffy muffins.

Quick Weeknight Wins

• Quick Banana Bread – A speedy treat for banana lovers.
• Easy Pancakes – Fluffy pancakes ready in minutes.
• One-Bowl Brownies – Rich, fudgy brownies with minimal cleanup.
• Quick Scones – Perfect for a quick breakfast or tea time.

Wrap-Up

In conclusion, these Blueberry Doughnut Muffins are a delicious combination of flavors that will brighten your morning or afternoon snack time. With their fluffy texture, vibrant blueberries, and delightful lemony glaze, they are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or as a make-ahead treat, these muffins are versatile and easy to customize to your taste. Happy baking!