Orange Yogurt Muffins

To begin, combine the citrus zest and sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Using the tips of your fingers, gently massage the zest into the sugar. Continue this process for a few minutes until the sugar resembles wet sand and you can clearly smell the citrus aroma. This step ensures the zest releases its oils into the sugar, enhancing the flavor of your muffins.

Next, melt the butter in a saucepan or double boiler. While the butter is melting, squeeze an orange to extract 3 tablespoons of juice. Add this orange juice to the sugar and zest mixture, stirring until well combined. Once the butter is fully melted, pour it into the mixture and stir until smooth. This method helps to evenly distribute the citrus flavor throughout the batter.

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a separate bowl until they are light and fluffy, using either an electric mixer or a whisk. Once the butter mixture has cooled, gradually add it to the beaten eggs, mixing until the ingredients are well incorporated. This cooling step prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely and ensures a smooth batter.

In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients, such as flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold these sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with liquid ingredients like milk or buttermilk. Use a rubber spatula for the final addition of dry ingredients, gently folding until the last streak of flour disappears. Be careful not to over-mix to maintain the batter's airiness.

Cover the bowl of muffin batter with a lid or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for one hour. This resting period allows the flour to fully absorb the moisture and the flavors to meld together. About 30 minutes into the resting time, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the middle of the oven.

After the batter has rested, use a large cookie scoop to evenly distribute it into the lined or greased muffin cavities. Filling each cavity uniformly ensures that the muffins bake evenly. This step also helps in achieving a consistent size for each muffin.

Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of a muffin. The muffins are ready if the toothpick comes out clean, with no loose crumbs attached. This indicates that the muffins are fully baked and have a tender crumb.

Once the muffins are done baking, remove the tray from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the tray for 2-3 minutes. This initial cooling helps to set their structure. Then, use a knife to carefully lift the muffins out of the tray and transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely for at least 30 minutes before drizzling with glaze. Cooling on a wire rack prevents the muffins from becoming soggy and ensures they reach the perfect texture for glazing.