Cranberry Orange Muffins

These cranberry orange muffins are the perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet, zesty orange. With their moist texture and irresistible flavor, they make an excellent breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply indulging your muffin cravings, this recipe will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with flavor: The combination of fresh cranberries and orange zest creates a vibrant taste that’s both sweet and tangy.
• Simple to make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Great for any occasion: Perfect for holiday gatherings, casual breakfasts, or as a gift for loved ones.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe with variations like nuts or a drizzle of orange glaze.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Fresh cranberries
• Orange zest
• Orange juice
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cranberries and orange zest: Stir these into the dry mixture to evenly distribute.
4. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
5. Combine the mixtures: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Fill the muffin tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
7. Bake: Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 muffins.
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
• Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Orange glaze: Drizzle a simple orange glaze over the muffins by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of orange juice.
• Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
• Dried cranberries: If fresh cranberries are unavailable, use dried ones soaked in orange juice to plump them up.
• Whole wheat flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
• Reheating: Warm the muffins in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. No need to thaw them before adding to the batter.

2. Can I substitute orange juice with another liquid?

Fresh orange juice is best for flavor, but you can use milk or water if needed.

3. What can I use instead of butter?

You can substitute butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil.

4. How can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

5. Can I add a streusel topping?

Absolutely! Mix flour, sugar, and butter to create a crumbly topping and sprinkle it over the batter before baking.

6. Why did my muffins turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter can cause dense muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.

7. Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Yes, adjust the baking time to 12–15 minutes for mini muffins.

8. Do I need to grease the muffin liners?

Greasing is unnecessary if you use quality muffin liners, but a light spray of cooking oil can help.

9. Can I add spices to the batter?

Sure! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg pairs well with the cranberry-orange flavor.

10. How do I know when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

Conclusion

Cranberry orange muffins are a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare and loved by all. With their vibrant flavors and moist texture, these muffins are sure to become a household favorite. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead snack, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try and savor the delicious harmony of cranberries and orange!

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