Luscious Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds  
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Optional additions:

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or blueberries
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the muffin cups.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Add optional ingredients: Fold in optional ingredients like walnuts, almonds, cranberries, or blueberries.
7. Fill muffin tin: Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling about two-thirds full.
8. Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add chopped walnuts or almonds, dried cranberries or blueberries, or a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg.
• For a sweeter taste: Increase the amount of sugar.
• For a tangier taste: Add more lemon zest or lemon juice.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins!