Jordan Marsh’s Blueberry Muffins
+2 photos

Jordan Marsh’s Blueberry Muffins

12 servings
In 1985, The Times published a recipe for the blueberry muffins served at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Boston, which Marian Burros, who adapted the recipe, judged among her favorite muffins in the city. A few years later, a reader wrote Marian to say that the best blueberry muffins in Boston were in fact from the now-closed Jordan Marsh department store. Marian tracked down and adapted that recipe so you can judge for yourself. But the origins of the Jordan Marsh recipe were unclear until 2023, when Mara Richmond of Burlington, Vt., wrote The Times to say that the developer of the recipe was her father, Arnold Gitlin, then the executive food consultant for Allied Stores, which owned Jordan Marsh at the time. His recipe, Richmond said, was an adaptation from one in Esther Howland’s 1847 cookbook, “The New England Economical Housekeeper, and Family Receipt Book.” Everything old is new again. This version has a lot more sugar and butter and fewer eggs than the Ritz-Carlton muffins. It also calls for mashing a half cup of berries and adding them to the batter. This produces a very moist muffin, one that will stay fresh longer.

Ingredients

  • butter
    ½ c
  • sugar
    1 ¼ c
  • eggs
    2
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp
  • flour
    2 c
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • baking powder
    2 tsp
  • milk
    ½ c
  • blueberries

    washed

    2 c
  • sugar
    3 tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375.

  2. 2

    Cream the butter and sugar until light.

  3. 3

    Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla.

  4. 4

    Sift together the flour, salt and baking powder, and add to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk.

    Step 4Step 4
  5. 5

    Crush 1/2 cup blueberries with a fork, and mix into the batter. Fold in the remaining whole berries.

  6. 6

    Line a 12 cup standard muffin tin with cupcake liners, and fill with batter. Sprinkle the 3 teaspoons sugar over the tops of the muffins, and bake at 375 degrees for about 30-35 minutes.

  7. 7

    Remove muffins from tin and cool at least 30 minutes. Store, uncovered, or the muffins will be too moist the second day, if they last that long.

Jordan Marsh’s Blueberry Muffins
+2

Jordan Marsh’s Blueberry Muffins

70 min12 servings260 cal

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About this Recipe

The Legendary Jordan Marsh’s Blueberry Muffins: A Taste of History

Step back in time and savor the iconic Jordan Marsh's Blueberry Muffins, a beloved recipe with a fascinating history that dates back to an 1847 cookbook. These aren't just any blueberry muffins; they're a true classic, celebrated for their exceptional moisture, rich flavor, and irresistible crumb. Originally adapted by Arnold Gitlin for the legendary Jordan Marsh department store, this recipe became a Boston favorite, now lovingly shared for you to enjoy at home.

What makes these moist blueberry muffins stand out? The secret lies in a clever technique: half a cup of the fresh, juicy blueberries are mashed and incorporated directly into the batter. This infuses every bite with a deeper berry flavor and guarantees an incredibly moist texture that stays fresh longer. Coupled with a generous amount of butter and sugar, these muffins offer a more decadent experience compared to many traditional recipes, making them truly special.

Perfect for a delightful breakfast treat, a satisfying snack, or a sweet addition to any brunch spread, these muffins are especially wonderful during summer when fresh blueberries are at their peak. The sprinkle of sugar on top bakes into a delightful, slightly crisp crust, adding another layer of texture to their soft interior.

Tips for Perfection:

  • For the best results, ensure your butter is truly softened for a smooth batter.
  • Don't overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the muffins tender.
  • While fresh blueberries are ideal, you can use frozen blueberries (without thawing) for a delicious result year-round. Toss them with a teaspoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking.

Enjoy a piece of culinary history with every bite of these amazing Jordan Marsh’s Blueberry Muffins!

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