Limoncello Lemon Muffins

Name: Limoncello Lemon Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup limoncello; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp limoncello; 1 tbsp lemon juice

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Ideas

I absolutely love these light and refreshing Limoncello Lemon Muffins! The combination of zesty lemon and a splash of limoncello not only elevates the flavor profile but also adds a delightful twist to the classic muffin recipe. Each bite is bursting with citrus goodness, making them perfect for brunch or a sweet snack. The addition of a limoncello glaze on top is the cherry on top, ensuring these muffins are both beautiful and delicious. I can never resist reaching for a second one!

Created by

Tabitha Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:01:34.409Z

When I first made these Limoncello Lemon Muffins for my family, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly they disappeared! I discovered that the key to achieving that perfect texture is to ensure you don’t overmix the batter. It’s essential to combine the dry ingredients gently with the wet ones for a fluffy, tender muffin.

To make these muffins even more special, I decided to add a limoncello glaze on top. This sugary drizzle not only adds a beautiful shine but also enhances the lemon flavor, making each bite absolutely irresistible. Trust me, you’ll want to share this recipe with your friends!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Bright and tangy lemon flavor with a hint of limoncello
Perfectly fluffy texture that's easy to achieve
Ideal for brunch, parties, or a little everyday indulgence

The Importance of Lemons and Limoncello

Choosing fresh, high-quality lemons is crucial for the best flavor in these muffins. The zest adds a burst of citrus aroma, while the juice provides the necessary acidity that balances the sweetness of the sugar. A freshly zested lemon contains essential oils that contribute to the vibrant flavor profile of the muffins. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it typically lacks the bright depth of fresh lemons.

Limoncello introduces a lovely layer of complexity to these muffins. This Italian lemon liqueur not only enhances the lemon flavor but also adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic notes that elevate the overall experience. If you want a non-alcoholic version, consider using a lemon-flavored syrup to maintain that signature limoncello taste.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the right muffin texture is about creating a light and fluffy crumb. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins due to gluten development, which you want to avoid. Gently folding the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined will give you that tender bite.

Another tip is to let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps set the structure, making it easier to remove them without tearing. If you notice the tops are domed, you can lightly press them down while they are warm to create a flatter muffin if you prefer.

Ingredients

Muffin Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup limoncello
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon

Limoncello Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp limoncello
1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, limoncello, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Fill Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake and Cool

Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly.

Prepare Glaze

While the muffins cool, whisk together powdered sugar, limoncello, and lemon juice until smooth.

Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra lemon flavor, consider adding more lemon zest or a pinch of lemon extract to the batter.

Making the Limoncello Glaze

The glaze is the finishing touch that really ties these muffins together. To achieve a smooth, glossy glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, limoncello, and lemon juice until there are no lumps. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny splash of water or limoncello to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too runny, simply add more powdered sugar until you get that perfect drizzle.

I love drizzling the glaze over the muffins while they are still slightly warm; this allows it to soak in a little, enhancing the flavor. For a different presentation, you can dip the tops of the muffins into the glaze instead of drizzling, creating a lovely citrusy crust.

Serving and Storing Tips

These Limoncello Lemon Muffins are best enjoyed the day they are made for maximum freshness, and they also make a delightful treat for brunch or as a snack with tea or coffee. If you plan to serve them later, you can store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option—simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat frozen muffins, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight. When you're ready to enjoy them, a quick warm-up in the microwave or oven will help restore their freshness. For a warm and gooey delight, microwave for about 15 seconds, or heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy them warm to fully appreciate all the citrus flavors!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these muffins without limoncello?

Yes, you can substitute limoncello with additional lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version.

→ How should I store the muffins?

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely! Freeze the muffins before glazing. Once thawed, you can add the glaze.

→ What else can I add to the muffins?

Consider adding blueberries or poppy seeds for added flavor and texture.