POPPY SEED MUFFINS RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly brush a 12-cup muffin tin with butter and set aside. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside. 
• In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with an electric hand-held mixer in a large bowl, cream the butter, zest, and 2/3 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Stir in the poppy seeds. 
• Fold the flour in 3 parts into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk in 2 parts, until just combined. Take care not to overmix the batter. Divide the batter evenly into the muffin tin and sprinkle the tops with sugar. Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Cool muffins in the pan on a rack. Serve warm.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F Coat muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Add the egg yolks, one at a time.
• Beat well after each.
• In a separate bowl, stir together the dry ingredients, poppy seeds, and lemon zest.
• With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating two times with the buttermilk, then lemon juice, and then vanilla.
• Beat just until smooth.
• In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
• Gently fold them into the muffin batter until blended.
• Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, 3/4-full.
• Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool for 5 minutes before removing to cool completely.
• I sometimes sprinkle the muffin mixture with sugar prior to putting in the oven just to add a little extra sweetness.