Magdalenas – Traditional Spanish Muffins Light, Fluffy

Magdalenas are soft, citrusy Spanish muffins traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or merienda. With a high dome, fluffy crumb, and hint of lemon, they’re perfect alongside a morning coffee or afternoon tea. This simple, classic recipe is easy to make and filled with sunny Mediterranean flavour!

Servings: 4 - Prep: 10 min - Cook: 20 min - Total: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs

• 180g sugar

• 150g all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 100ml light olive oil

• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a muffin tin with paper muffin liners.

2. Beat Eggs & Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes.

3. Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour and baking powder together. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula or whisk. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Add Oil & Lemon

Gradually mix in the olive oil and lemon zest, blending until smooth and fully incorporated.

5. Fill & Rest

Spoon the batter into the muffin liners, filling each about ¾ full. Let the filled tray sit at room temperature for 10 minutes - this helps create that classic high dome top when baking. Sprinkle a little bit of sugar on top of each muffin.

6. Bake

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

7. Cool & Serve

Let cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool fully. Enjoy with coffee, tea, or warm milk for a traditional Spanish breakfast treat.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Magdalenas

✅ Rest Before Baking

Resting the batter-filled tin allows the muffins to rise higher and form that signature dome top in the oven.

✅ Use Light Olive Oil

A light, mild olive oil gives flavour without overpowering the citrusy brightness of the muffins.

✅ Add a Sugar Crunch

Sprinkle a pinch of sugar on top of each muffin before baking for a classic Spanish-style crispy lid.

✅ Make It Orange

No lemons? Use orange zest instead for a sweet, fragrant twist.

✅ Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. These muffins also freeze well!

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