Lemon-flavored muffins with white chocolate and nuts

Lemon, white chocolate, and walnut muffins

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today we will prepare together lemon, white chocolate, and walnut muffins. This quick and simple dessert is perfect for any time of the day, whether it's a savory breakfast, a snack between meals, or an elegant dessert for a gathering with friends. Muffins are a symbol of culinary joy, and the combination of lemon, white chocolate, and walnut will turn every bite into an explosion of pleasant flavors.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

The history of muffins is lost in the mists of time, but it is clear that they evolved from simple bread recipes. These small sweet delights have their origins in the cooking traditions of various cultures, becoming a worldwide favorite today. Regardless of the occasion, muffins are always an inspired choice, and the combination we will use today will make them truly special.

Necessary ingredients:

- 375 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 125 g sugar
- 100 g white chocolate, chopped into small cubes
- 2 eggs
- 200 ml milk
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 150 g melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 45 g chopped walnuts
- a pinch of salt

Preparing the muffins:

1. Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This is an essential step, as a well-preheated oven will ensure even baking and a fluffy texture for the muffins.

2. Prepare the muffin tins: you can use classic metal molds or paper muffin liners. If using metal molds, grease them with a little butter to prevent sticking. If you choose paper liners, make sure they are well placed in the metal molds.

3. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, chopped white chocolate, and lemon zest. This dry mixture will form the base for your muffins and will contribute to an intense flavor. The lemon zest adds a fresh and vibrant note, so don’t skip it!

4. In another bowl, beat the eggs together with the milk and melted butter. Make sure the butter is not too hot, so it doesn’t cook the eggs. Once the wet ingredients are well mixed, pour them over the flour mixture.

5. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently mix everything together. Don’t overmix; it’s important to keep the muffins fluffy, so mix just until the ingredients are combined. If there are a few lumps, don’t worry!

6. Add the chopped walnuts to your batter and fold them in gently. The walnuts bring a crunchy texture and a rich flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the white chocolate and the freshness of the lemon.

7. Fill the muffin tins with batter, leaving a little space at the top, as the muffins will rise during baking. You can use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to evenly distribute the batter.

8. Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, the muffins are perfectly baked.

9. Once the muffins are baked, let them cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and variations:

These muffins can be enjoyed plain or dusted with a little powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also add a lemon glaze for extra flavor. A delicious combination is to serve them with a cup of green tea or a flavored cappuccino.

If you want to experiment, try replacing the walnuts with almonds or adding some blueberries for a fruity note. Each variation will add a unique character to your muffins.

Nutritional benefits:

These muffins are a source of carbohydrates and healthy fats from the nuts, and the white chocolate provides a dose of antioxidants. The lemon adds vitamin C, essential for a healthy immune system. Of course, like any sweet treat, moderation is key.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture of the muffins will be different, denser.

- How can I keep the muffins fresh?
I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for a few days.

- Is it possible to freeze them?
Yes, you can freeze the muffins. Place them in an airtight container, and you can keep them for up to 3 months.

I hope this recipe inspires you to bring joy to your kitchen! Lemon, white chocolate, and walnut muffins are a wonderful choice to delight your family and friends. Enjoy!