Blueberry Swirl Muffins

Step 1

In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup of the sugar and the lemon zest. Set aside.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 425?F with a rack in the middle. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.

Step 3

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring 1 cup of the blueberries and 1 teaspoon of the sugar to a simmer. Cook, mashing occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. In a medium bowl, beat together the remaining 1 cup sugar, eggs, oil, milk and vanilla until smooth. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the remaining 1 cup blueberries. Pour the batter into each prepared muffin pan cup until two-thirds full. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the blueberry compote into each muffin batter center and, using a fork, swirl. Sprinkle generously with the lemon sugar. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 16 to 18 minutes. Let cool on a rack before serving. (The muffins can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month.)