Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 

1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder 

1/4 teaspoon baking soda 

1 teaspoon coarse salt 

1 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling (optional) 

2 large eggs, room temperature 

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest plus 1/4 cup lemon juice 

1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature 

1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled 

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with baking cups. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, zest, juice, and milk. Whisk in butter. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients, until just combined.

Divide batter evenly between muffin cups, adding a scant 1/4 cup to each. Sprinkle with sugar, if desired. Bake until tops spring back when lightly touched, about 20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.