These Easy Lemon Breakfast Muffins are so easy to make and are rich and cake-like, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch.
They are the perfect fruit muffin to start the day. I love enjoying them with hot tea or coffee. They are a bakery-style muffin and have a delicate lemon flavor and texture. These really go fast when I make them, so know that you have been warned.
You will love these if you enjoy the lemon flavor. These taste just like you got them from the bakery.Moist and delicious to enjoy at breakfast, brunch or really anytime..
Hello Friends! I hope this week finds you well. We are in summer mode and are loving the longer days. We have already been on several outdoor outings and packing up a meal and eating outside is one of my favorite summer endeavors. Today's tasty lemon breakfast recipe fits right into the season.
These easy lemon muffins are super easy to make and brighten up any breakfast table. I love that we can grab them for on the go too!
I am thinking of adding some blueberries to the next batch I make.
One of the things I love about this recipe is that these muffins are hearty but not overly sweet. The secret ingredient really adds a rich texture to the muffin. I use fresh lemons for this recipe and you can use the lemon zest of two lemons in the place of the lemon extract if you have an abundance of lemons or are lucky enough to have a tree.
For more great lemon recipes, check out our Simple Lemon Cookies , Sour Cream Lemon Cookies , old fashioned lemon squares, and our Easy Lemon Breakfast Pastries.
Also, please don't forget to pin this recipe, as it helps us get the word out on our site.
Main Ingredients for this recipe:
Butter - I always use real butter when I can, but margarine will work too.
Lemon Juice and Zest - You can use a bottle lemon juice if you must, but try to pick up and use a real lemon for the recipe. It really makes a big difference.
Ricotta Cheese - This delicious cheese adds a wonderful flavor and texture to the muffins.
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Easy Lemon Breakfast Muffins
📖 Recipe

Easy Lemon Breakfast Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup 1 stick butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350*.
- Line muffin tin with muffin/cupcake liners
- In bowl, mix together softened butter, sugar and egg.
- Add ricotta cheese, lemon zest, juice and extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, backing soda, salt.
- Combine dry ingredients with butter and cheese mixture until well-blended.
- Divide the batter among the muffin cups.
- Bake 20-22 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
Nutrition
- Use muffin or cupcake liners to save up on clean up time. I especially like using these parchment liners.
- I have found it very helpful to mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. It really saves time if you are making these in the morning and it streamlines the process. You can make extra all at the same time and store them. Think if it as if you are making your own muffin mix and you will find it helps!
If you are a lemon lover, you are going to enjoy these muffins. They are also great to take to a friend or neighbor that can use some sunshine.
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Tamara
These just made my stomach grumble. Lemon for breakfast? Yes! It's perfect with sunshine streaming in through the windows.
Nina
Hi, can the ricotta be substituted with something else? Like Greek yogurt or sour cream?
Raquel
Yes, you can use Greek Yogurt as a substitute Nina.
Erin
Thanks. I can to ask the same question.
Melinda Lee
I made this recipe for breakfast today. I did not have lemon extract so I just used more lemon juice. It is a thick batter which concerned me but we were not disappointed.
This is a fantastic lemon muffin! Yummy!
I will make these again.
Wendy G
Just made these, they are a hit, I really love lemon so I think I’ll increase the zest and extract for next time, and we used Greek yogurt instead of ricotta. Definitely a winner
Raquel
So glad you loved them Wendy! <3
Amy
Anything with lemon is my favorite. Great recipe!
Raquel
Thank you Amy!
Natalie L Mayhew
These look so good! I'm a big fan of lemon and these look easy to make!
Raquel
Thank you so much for rating our recipe! ❤️
Shaunda Necole
These are perfect for a Sunday brunch!!
Raquel
Thanks so much Shaunda!
Mariah Leeson
My daughter loves any kind of lemon dessert so I can't wait to surprise her with these one morning, they look delicious!
Raquel
They would make a fun surprise for her!
Jo
Easy to make tastes delicious, next time I may add poppy seed.
Raquel
Thank you and good idea!
Kim Mehagan
Can you use cream cheese or sour cream instead of ricotta??
Raquel
I haven't tried it, but I bet it would work.
Sally
Can I use the baking cups instead of liners?
Raquel
Absolutely Sally!
Beth
I'm having a little trouble with the muffins. Is oil missing in the recipe? I've been cooking them for 35 minutes and they still don't appear to be cooked. The batter was incredibly thick - is that correct?
Raquel
Hi Beth,
Sorry to hear that you are having trouble. There are a few possible reasons this might be happening. So here are a few possible reasons: if the oven was not preheated, or if the eggs, cheese and butter are cold, the muffins may take longer. Also if the muffin tin is on the larger size, it may take a little longer to bake. Hope this helps!
Lisa
I made these muffins a lot my girls love them, thank you for sharing the recipe.
Raquel
Glad you enjoyed them Lisa! Thank you for the feedback!
sonya keester
Can I use mini muffin tins?
Raquel
absolutely! Watch the cooking time it will be less.(10-13 minutes)
Geace
Made these - turned out large 12 muffins!! Will use extra lemon extract next time- very good🥰
Courtney
Just want to confirm before I start…
1 cup 1 stick of butter…
Is this 1.5cups?
Or are you saying 1 cup OR 1 stick of butter?
It’s Friday so my brain is already fried and I don’t want to think hard anymore than I have to 😂😂😂
Raquel
1/2 cup or 1 stick of butter. 🙂