Limoncello Lemon Muffins

Name: Limoncello Lemon Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup limoncello; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons limoncello; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Classic Collection

I absolutely love baking, and these Limoncello Lemon Muffins have become one of my favorite treats. The tartness of fresh lemons combined with the sweet notes of limoncello creates an unforgettable flavor explosion. The muffins are moist, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. I’ve had so many compliments for them, and they really do bring a touch of sunshine to your day. You’ll find that they are simple to make, and they disappear quickly!

Created by

Loretta Winslow

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:13:34.918Z

Baking these Limoncello Lemon Muffins was an inspired moment during a sunny afternoon. It started with a simple desire to brighten up my kitchen with citrusy aromas. Every mix of the batter felt like I was capturing summer sunshine, and the resulting muffins didn’t disappoint! The limoncello gives them a delightful twist, elevating the classic lemon muffin into something truly special.

What I found particularly delightful was the balance of flavors. Using both fresh lemon zest and limoncello not only enhances the flavor but also creates a lovely texture. I recommend letting the muffins cool slightly before serving; it allows the flavors to deepen and makes for a more enjoyable experience!

        Why You’ll Love These Muffins
        Bright, zesty flavor that refreshes your palate
Moist and fluffy texture that keeps you coming back for more
Perfectly paired with tea or coffee for a delightful treat

      

The Role of Limoncello

Limoncello not only adds a delightful sweetness to these muffins but also enhances their flavor profile with its citrusy zing. Using a high-quality limoncello will give your muffins a more pronounced lemon flavor. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute limoncello with an equal amount of lemon juice mixed with a bit of extra sugar, but keep in mind that the depth of flavor may not be as rich.

Furthermore, the alcohol content in limoncello evaporates during baking, leaving behind its bright essence. This makes the muffins kid-friendly, but if you want to skip the limoncello altogether, consider a splash of vanilla extract for sweetness and aroma without the alcohol.

Perfecting the Muffin Texture

Achieving the ideal muffin texture is all about balancing the wet and dry ingredients. Make sure the melted butter is cooled slightly before mixing it with the eggs to prevent curdling. When combining the wet and dry mixtures, remember to mix just until combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to dense, rubbery muffins, so use a gentle hand!

To ensure that your muffins rise beautifully, give your baking powder a check before starting. If it's old, the muffins won't rise as they should. For the fluffiest results, I recommend sifting the dry ingredients. This helps introduce air and can make your muffins lighter and fluffier.

Tips for Glazing and Serving

When preparing the glaze, adjust the thickness by adding one tablespoon of limoncello at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Aim for a glaze that's thick enough to stick but still pourable—roughly the consistency of heavy cream. Drizzling while the muffins are slightly warm allows the glaze to set beautifully and soak in a bit, enhancing the overall flavor.

These Limoncello Lemon Muffins make a great addition to brunch tables or afternoon tea. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or lemon curd for an extra treat. They stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about three days, but if you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to three months.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before starting your baking adventure!

For the Muffins

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/2 cup limoncello
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons limoncello
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your delicious muffins!

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners and set aside.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, limoncello, milk, and lemon zest until smooth.

Combine Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing!

Fill Muffin Tins

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Glaze

While the muffins cool, mix the powdered sugar, limoncello, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.

Glaze the Muffins

Once the muffins have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops for added flavor and decoration.

Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some poppy seeds into the batter before baking.

Storage Tips

To properly store your Limoncello Lemon Muffins, ensure they are completely cool before placing them in an airtight container. If stored this way, they can stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. However, if you wish to store them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and then place them in a Ziploc bag to prevent freezer burn.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen muffin, simply remove it from the freezer, and let it thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. Alternatively, for a quick treat, you can microwave them for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.

Variations to Try

If you want to mix things up, consider adding poppy seeds for a subtle crunch and extra flavor. About one to two tablespoons of poppy seeds mixed into the batter can elevate these muffins and add a lovely texture contrast with every bite. You could also fold in blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist—just reduce the sugar slightly to balance the added sweetness of the fruits.

For a twist on the glaze, try mixing in some herbs like thyme or rosemary for an herby undertone. This adds a surprising element that pairs amazingly with the lemon flavor and can make these muffins a standout addition to any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use non-alcoholic limoncello?

Yes, non-alcoholic limoncello or lemon extract can be used as a substitute for the glaze.

→ How should I store leftover muffins?

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a week.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely! These muffins freeze very well. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

→ What can I substitute for limoncello?

You can use fresh lemon juice mixed with a bit of sugar if you don’t have limoncello on hand.