Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey back in time? This recipe recreates the legendary blueberry muffins once served at the iconic Jordan Marsh department store in Boston. These weren't just any muffins; they were a beloved Boston treat, a symbol of simple pleasure and delicious homemade goodness. This recipe brings that classic taste back to your kitchen, offering a delightful blend of moist crumb, juicy blueberries, and a subtly sweet flavor that will transport you straight to the heart of Boston. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or a charming addition to your next brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
Instructions:
Get started: 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.
Dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly light and fluffy muffin.
Wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand with a little elbow grease. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix! Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough muffins.
Blueberry bliss: Gently fold in the blueberries. Be careful not to crush them.
Bake: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Muffins:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing leads to tough muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Fresh blueberries: Fresh blueberries offer the best flavor, but frozen work well too. If using frozen, don't thaw them before adding to the batter.
- Muffin liners: Using muffin liners makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the muffins from sticking.
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, and sugar) over the muffins before baking for extra crunch.
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
These delicious Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins are a simple pleasure, a quick and healthy breakfast, and an easy recipe perfect for any skill level. Enjoy a taste of Boston baking history! They're great with a cup of coffee or tea, making them ideal for a quiet morning or a delightful get-together with friends. Share this recipe with your loved ones and experience the joy of homemade baking!