There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked blueberry muffins wafting through the air in the morning. These tender treats, with a hint of orange complementing the sweet flavor of blueberries, are the perfect start to any day. In this article, we'll share our best blueberry muffin recipe and provide tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly every time.

### Ingredients

• 2 cups all - purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

### Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the texture of the muffins.
3. In a separate medium - sized bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Stir well until the mixture is smooth. The orange zest adds a bright and citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the blueberries.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to over - mix; a few lumps in the batter are okay. Over - mixing can result in tough and dense muffins.
5. Fold in the fresh blueberries gently. You want to make sure the blueberries are evenly distributed throughout the batter without crushing them.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup about two - thirds full. This allows the muffins to rise properly without overflowing.
7. Bake for 18 - 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the muffins as they bake.
8. Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the bottoms of the muffins from getting soggy.

### Tips for Perfect Muffins

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh blueberries will give your muffins the best flavor and texture. If fresh blueberries are not available, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.
• Don't Over - Mix the Batter: As mentioned earlier, over - mixing can lead to tough muffins. Stir the batter just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined, and you'll end up with light and fluffy muffins.
• Proper Baking Temperature: Baking at the right temperature is essential. Starting at a high temperature (400°F in this recipe) helps the muffins rise quickly and develop a nice crust on the outside.
• Let the Muffins Cool: Allowing the muffins to cool for a few minutes in the tin and then on a wire rack is important. This gives the muffins time to set and makes them easier to handle.

These blueberry muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy them as a snack throughout the day. With our recipe and tips, you'll be able to make perfect blueberry muffins every time. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start baking!