Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins – A Classic Recipe Worth Trying

Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins are a legendary treat that originated in the famous Boston-based department store, Jordan Marsh. Known for their soft, cake-like texture, juicy blueberries, and sugary tops, these muffins became a customer favorite for decades. Today, they remain a cherished recipe for home bakers who want to recreate the magic of these old-fashioned blueberry muffins.

In this guide, we’ll explore the history behind Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins, the authentic recipe, and expert baking tips to ensure you get that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

The History of Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins

The origins of Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins

Jordan Marsh was one of the first major department stores in the United States, founded in Boston in 1841. While the store was famous for high-end fashion and household goods, its in-store bakery became legendary for its blueberry muffins.

Shoppers would stop by for a warm, fresh muffin, often paired with a cup of coffee, turning a simple shopping trip into a special experience. Over time, these muffins gained a devoted following, making them one of the most beloved bakery items in Boston.

What made these Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins special

Unlike typical blueberry muffins, Jordan Marsh muffins were known for their soft, cake-like texture rather than a dense or bread-like consistency. They had a generous amount of blueberries, ensuring every bite was bursting with flavor.

The bakery also had a unique technique—lightly mashing some of the blueberries before mixing them into the batter. This created a deep blueberry flavor throughout the muffins. Finally, the muffins were topped with a thick layer of sugar, which baked into a sweet, slightly crisp topping.

When Jordan Marsh closed in 1996, the muffins remained a nostalgic favorite, with many bakers recreating the recipe at home.

Ingredients for Authentic Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins

Essential ingredients for classic Jordan Marsh muffins

To make authentic Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• All-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the muffins
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create the signature sugar crust
• Unsalted butter – Gives richness and tenderness to the muffins
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients and add moisture
• Milk – Adds creaminess and helps with the soft texture
• Fresh blueberries – The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and juiciness
• Baking powder – Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and warmth of the muffins
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and improves overall taste

The secret to making soft and fluffy blueberry muffins

The key to achieving light and fluffy muffins lies in how you mix the ingredients. Here are a few secrets:

• Creaming the butter and sugar together properly incorporates air, making the muffins softer.
• Mashing a portion of the blueberries into the batter adds moisture and an intense blueberry flavor.
• Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour can result in a more delicate crumb.
• Avoid overmixing the batter—stir just until combined to prevent toughness.

Looking for a plant-based alternative? Explore these dairy-free and vegan breakfast options: Vegan Breakfast Guide

Step-by-Step Recipe for Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins

Preheat and prepare for baking homemade blueberry muffins

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.

Mixing the batter for old-fashioned Jordan Marsh muffins

• In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
• Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Combine dry ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Add milk and dry ingredients alternately

• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients gradually, alternating with ½ cup of milk.
• Begin and end with the flour mixture, stirring just until combined.

Fold in the blueberries

• Gently fold in 2 ½ cups of fresh blueberries.
• Lightly mash ½ cup of blueberries before adding them to the batter for an extra blueberry-rich flavor.

Bake to perfection

• Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
• Generously sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a crunchy, golden crust.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and enjoy

• Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
• Serve warm with butter or jam for an irresistible breakfast or snack.

Enjoy your muffins with a hearty breakfast like these classic dishes from around the world: Chicken for Breakfast: Global Traditions

Tips for Making the Best Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins

Choosing the best blueberries

• Fresh blueberries work best for their natural juiciness.
• If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter—this prevents excess bleeding.
• Wild blueberries provide a more intense, tangy flavor and hold their shape well during baking.

How to prevent muffins from becoming dense

• Do not overmix the batter—stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing leads to tough muffins.
• Use room temperature ingredients so they combine smoothly without overworking the batter.
• Measure the flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag.

Getting that signature sugar crust

• Sprinkle a generous amount of granulated sugar over the tops before baking.
• For extra crunch, use coarse sugar or sanding sugar.
• If you want a glossy finish, brush the tops with melted butter before adding the sugar.

Looking for a new breakfast idea? Try these Colombian-inspired morning dishes: Colombian Breakfast Recipes

Healthier Variations of Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins

While the original Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins are a delicious indulgence, you can modify the recipe to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor and texture.

Low-sugar version

• Reduce granulated sugar from 1 cup to ¾ cup.
• Use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
• Substitute unsweetened applesauce for half the butter to reduce fat and calories.

Gluten-free option

• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
• If your flour blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum, add ¼ teaspoon to improve texture.

Dairy-free alternative

• Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk instead of dairy milk.

These small tweaks allow you to enjoy a lighter, healthier version of the classic muffins while keeping them just as delicious.

Storing and Freezing Blueberry Muffins

How to store muffins properly

• Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb moisture.
• Avoid refrigerating them, as this can dry them out.

How to freeze for later

• Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, microwave for 20–30 seconds or bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

These storage tips ensure you can always have a homemade muffin ready to enjoy without the hassle of baking every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins are a true Boston classic, known for their soft, cake-like texture and sweet blueberry flavor. While the Jordan Marsh stores are long gone, the recipe remains a cherished favorite among home bakers.

Whether you follow the traditional recipe or try a healthier variation, these muffins are a perfect breakfast treat or snack.

Looking for more sweet breakfast ideas? Check out our collection of delicious morning recipes: Sweet Breakfast Recipes.

Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins

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• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x

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Description

These Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins are a classic New England treat, made famous by the legendary Jordan Marsh department store in Boston. These muffins are known for their soft, cake-like texture, bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a sugary crust. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, these muffins bring back nostalgic memories with every bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, not thawed)
• 1 tablespoon flour (for coating the blueberries)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly.
2. Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
6. Toss the blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
7. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
8. Sprinkle tops with extra granulated sugar for the signature crunchy topping.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Cuisine: American