Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Muffins


Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Muffins

Jean Stains
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Servings 12 Large Muffins (or 18-20 standard size muffins)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ½ cup 4 oz or 1/2 stick unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
  • 3 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest (reserve 1 tablespoon to mix with coarse granulated sugar to sprinkle on top.
  • 1 cup Whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 eggs large or medium slightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt kosher or one without additives preferred
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • ¼ cup coarse granulated sugar such as turbinado sugar for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°
  • Line muffin pan(s) with paper or foil cup liners (I prefer foil because muffins will release from cup liner easier)
  • In large bowl beat the sugar and softened butter and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
  • Add ricotta cheese followed by the eggs, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  • In separate bowl mix baking powder, baking soda, salt and flour. I usually whisk together.
  • Stir the flour mixture into the sugar/ butter mix until just thoroughly combined (note: the batter will be thick!)
  • Gently fold in the blueberries
  • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Best not to fill the cups over 2/3 full.
  • Sprinkle the muffins with about 1 teaspoon of turbinado sugar mixed with the rest of the lemon zest.
  • Bake at 350 until muffin tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For larger muffins this should take about 26 to 30 minutes; for the smaller standard size muffins it will take about 18-24 min.
  • Remove muffins from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool about 15 minutes.

Notes

  • These muffins can be frozen and used for another day, although they’re always best served right away!
  • About 280 calories per large muffin.