Lemon Poppy Seed Lavender Muffins with Honey Butter

Tall muffins with a crunchy lavender sugar top, split open while they're warm and slathered with honey butter. They are good for brunch and even better for a Monday.

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Why this pairing works

The coarse lavender sugar crust gives every bite a little crunch and a burst of flavor, while honey butter adds richness to the bright lemon.

How do you make lemon poppy seed lavender muffins from scratch?

This makes 12 muffins. Heat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup Lavender Sugar or granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
• 1/2 tsp culinary lavender buds, finely ground
• 2 Tbsp lemon zest and 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1/2 cup melted butter or oil
• 2 eggs

1. Whisk the dry ingredients, poppy seeds, lavender and zest in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the yogurt, butter, eggs and lemon juice in another bowl.
3. Fold the wet into the dry just until no flour shows; lumps are fine.
4. Fill the cups nearly full, top with Lavender Sugar and bake 18 to 22 minutes.

How do you get tall, domed muffins?

• Fill the cups nearly to the top.
• Start at 425°F for 5 minutes, then lower the heat; the burst of heat lifts the batter fast.
• Let the batter rest 15 minutes before scooping so the flour hydrates.
• Do not overmix.

How do you store and freeze muffins?

Keep muffins in an airtight container lined with a paper towel for up to 3 days. Freeze cooled muffins in a freezer bag for up to 3 months; warm from frozen in the microwave for 30 seconds or at 350°F for 10 minutes. The honey butter keeps 2 weeks in the fridge.

Make it your own

• Serve with Lemon Lavender Honey Sticks on a brunch board.
• Bake as mini muffins for showers (about 12 minutes).
• Drizzle with a lemon glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
• Fold in 1 cup blueberries and skip the poppy seeds.

Frequently asked questions

Can I skip the poppy seeds?

Yes. They add crunch and look, but the muffins taste great without them.

Why are my muffins dense?

The batter was overmixed or the baking powder was old. Fold gently and replace baking powder every 6 months.

Can I use fresh lavender?

Yes. Use about 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh culinary lavender flowers.

Made it? Rate this recipe below and tell us how you served them.

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