Valentine's Day Strawberry Muffins

1 . Stage

Mix lemon juice with as much milk as needed to measure 1 cup; let the soured milk stand for 5 minutes before using.

2 . Stage

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

3 . Stage

Line 24 muffin tins with paper liners.

4 . Stage

Cream together the butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a large bowl.

5 . Stage

Beat in the eggs, one at a time; add the lemon extract.

6 . Stage

Gradually stir in the lemon zest and soured milk.

7 . Stage

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

8 . Stage

Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in another bowl.

9 . Stage

Stir the butter mixture into the flour mixture until dry ingredients are just moistened.

10 . Stage

Fold in the chocolate chips.

11 . Stage

Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups to about 2/3 full.

12 . Stage

Place a strawberry slice atop each muffin and sprinkle with some of the 1 tablespoon white sugar.

13 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in the pans for 5 minutes before serving warm.