In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the sour cream until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve your lemon poppy seed muffins fresh and enjoy the perfect balance of tangy lemon and nutty poppy seeds in every bite.
Poppy seeds are tiny, oil-rich seeds harvested from the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. These seeds have been used in culinary and medicinal practices for thousands of years, across various cultures and continents. Aesthetically, they are known for their dark blue to black color, adding a beautiful contrast to dishes. Beyond their visual appeal, poppy seeds bring a slight crunch and a burst of flavor to recipes. They're a popular ingredient in baking and cooking, found in everything from breads and cakes to salad dressings and noodle dishes.
Poppy seeds have a nutty, slightly sweet flavor with an earthy undertone. Their taste is subtle, yet they contribute a distinct texture and a sprinkle of richness to dishes. When paired with other ingredients, such as lemon in muffins, they balance out the brightness and add a layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile.
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