Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers until the sugar is fragrant and slightly moist.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Add the lemon sugar mixture.
2. Gently fold the ingredients together with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble the Muffins

1. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of muffin batter into each muffin cup.
2. Add a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of cream cheese filling in the center of each muffin cup.
3. Cover the cream cheese filling with another tablespoon of batter, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the filling) comes out clean.
2. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Lemon Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or sugar as needed.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins and garnish with additional lemon zest or poppy seeds, if desired.