Portuguese lemon muffins

Portuguese Lemon Muffins (Queques de Limão) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the muffin cups well.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is light and frothy.
   • Add the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix well until combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
5. Fill the Muffin Cups:
   • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake the Muffins:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
   • The muffins should be lightly golden on top.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Tips:

• Extra Lemon Flavor: For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest or a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter.
• Moist Muffins: Don’t overbake the muffins to keep them moist and tender. They should be just lightly golden and spring back when touched.
• Storage: Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions:

• These muffins are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a bit of butter or a dollop of lemon curd for an extra citrusy treat.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 18-22 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Nutritional Information (per muffin, about 12 muffins):

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Protein: ~3g
• Fat: ~8g
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Sugar: ~15g
• Fiber: ~1g

These Portuguese Lemon Muffins are a delightful treat with a fresh, zesty flavor and a soft, tender crumb. Perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!