Are you craving a delightful treat that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further than these incredibly moist and flavorful blueberry muffins! Inspired by the renowned King Arthur Baking recipes, this version is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Get ready to enjoy the taste of homemade goodness – these muffins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. They are a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that don't compromise on taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups King Arthur Flour all-purpose flour (or your favorite brand)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, no need to thaw)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This step is crucial for easy muffin removal and prevents sticking.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. This ensures even leavening and a consistent texture in your muffins.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Combine: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins.
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Add Blueberries: Fold in the blueberries gently. Again, avoid overmixing.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
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Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your muffins, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Blueberry Muffins:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing leads to tough muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are moistened.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your muffins will taste. Consider using fresh, organic blueberries for the best flavor.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Let them cool completely: This allows the muffins to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Variations:
- Lemon Blueberry Muffins: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a zesty twist.
- Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a streusel topping (made with flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon) over the muffins before baking.
- Crumb Topping: Combine oats, brown sugar and melted butter for a delicious crumb topping!
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
These delicious blueberry muffins are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas, homemade cooking projects, and healthy meals. Enjoy these best recipes and share the joy of baking! They are a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor.