Step 1

Preheat oven to 425F. Line a muffin pan with paper liners and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, toss together the flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Rub the mixture between your fingers to release the oil. The sugar will be pale yellow and very fragrant.

Step 4

Then whisk in the melted butter, eggs, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, milk, and vanilla extract.

Step 5

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix together until just combined. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan.

Step 6

Bake at 425F for 5 minutes, then reduce the oven to 350F and bake for another 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.