Lemon Orange Honey Muffins (Printable Version)
Citrusy honey muffins topped with fragrant thyme crumble, ideal for breakfast or snack time.
# Ingredient List:
→ Muffin Batter
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/3 cup honey
06 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - Zest of 1 lemon
08 - Zest of 1 orange
09 - 1/2 cup whole milk
10 - 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
11 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
13 - 2 large eggs
→ Thyme Crumble
14 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
15 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
17 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
18 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cup thoroughly.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine the honey, granulated sugar, lemon zest, orange zest, whole milk, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour streaks remain to ensure tender muffins.
05 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
06 - In a small bowl, mix the flour, light brown sugar, thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold cubed butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
07 - Sprinkle the thyme crumble evenly over the top of each muffin, pressing gently so it adheres to the batter.
08 - Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden.
09 - Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The honey and citrus combo creates this mellow sweetness that never feels heavy or cloying.
- That herbaceous thyme crumble on top will make people ask what your secret ingredient is.
02 -
- Overmixing the batter produces tough muffins with tunnels, so stop folding the moment the flour disappears.
- Using cold butter straight from the fridge for the crumble is nonnegotiable because warm butter simply melts into a paste instead of creating those crisp craggy bits.
03 -
- Warm the honey slightly before measuring so it pours easily and incorporates into the wet ingredients without clumping.
- Double the crumble recipe and freeze the extra in a bag, then sprinkle it over fruit or yogurt for an instant dessert topping.