strawberry lemonade muffins

Happy love week! Valentine’s Day is hands down my favorite holiday. I start getting excited for it before Christmas, and the excitement builds to epic levels in February. I’m not sure exactly why it’s my favorite… I never have any expectations from my husband for Valentine’s Day. Usually we make dinner together after the kids are in bed and try to make it through a romantic movie without falling asleep. 🙂 I think I just love the chance to show my husband and kids how much I love them. And I’m crazy about anything pink or red, so there’s that too.

Our family has a tradition of having a special breakfast together on Valentine’s Day. I put little presents on everyone’s plates and make something delicious to eat, and generally decorate the table with as many obnoxious Valentine’s decorations as I can. I think these strawberry lemonade muffins would be perfect for a Valentine’s breakfast! They’re bursting with juicy strawberries, and the hint of lemon makes them extra special and delicious. Share them with someone you love!

Strawberry Lemonade Muffins
adapted from my Bakery-Style Blueberry Muffins

1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
zest of one lemon
1/3 cup melted butter
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 1/2 cup chopped strawberries

Preheat oven to 400. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and lemon zest. In a measuring cup or a small bowl, mix together melted butter, egg, milk, and lemon extract. Add to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in strawberries. Scoop into muffin cups, filling 2/3 full. Bake 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.