Cranberry Orange Muffins

Sharing is caring!

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Cranberry Orange Muffins encapsulate the essence of cozy mornings, filling your home with an inviting aroma that beckons everyone to gather around the kitchen. The delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a burst of flavor that dances on your palate with each bite. This easy-to-follow recipe offers a perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. With minimal ingredients and a simple step-by-step approach, you’ll find that these muffins are not only comforting but also a nostalgic reminder of warm family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the standout features of this Cranberry Orange Muffins recipe is its straightforward preparation, making it an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned bakers. These muffins come together quickly, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time—perfect for those busy mornings when you still want something delicious and homemade. The mesmerizing scent of freshly baked muffins wafting through your kitchen is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, not to mention that they are a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal cranberries. Plus, with a few simple ingredients, you can create a treat that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 and 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• Optional: coarse sparkling sugar for sprinkling on top
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors. The brown sugar and butter add a rich, creamy texture, while the tart cranberries provide a juicy, refreshing contrast. The orange zest and juice infuse warmth and sunshine, making these muffins not just a treat but an experience.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and grease or line a muffin pan to prevent sticking. The higher initial temperature helps create a perfect dome on your muffins.

2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until blended. Gradually add the 2/3 cup of flour to this mixture until you achieve a crumbly consistency. Place this crumb topping in the refrigerator while you prepare the muffin batter.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth. This process introduces air, which helps your muffins rise beautifully.

5. Add the orange zest, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth—this helps bring all the flavors together.

6. Now, combine your wet and dry ingredients by gently folding them together. Add the fresh orange juice and milk to the mixture. Finally, fold in the cranberries, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.

7. Fill your muffin cups about 2/3 of the way full with the batter. If you opted for the crumb topping, sprinkle it generously on each muffin.

8. Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 16-19 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

9. Once baked, allow your muffins to cool slightly before removing them from the pan. Drizzle a mixture of confectioners’ sugar and fresh orange juice on top for an extra touch of sweetness and citrus flavor.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Cranberry Orange Muffins, consider adding a touch of nutmeg or chopped pecans for an additional flavor dimension. If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them; just fold them directly into the batter for convenience. Ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rise. Experiment with different types of flour; using whole wheat flour can add a delightful nuttiness and make the muffins a bit heartier.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve these muffins warm, straight from the oven, for the best experience. Pair them with a dollop of cream cheese or butter to enhance their indulgence. Perfect for holiday brunches, potlucks, or a quiet morning with a cup of tea or coffee, these muffins can effortlessly fit any occasion. Consider pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a yogurt parfait to create a wholesome breakfast.

Nutritional Information

Each Cranberry Orange Muffin contains approximately 180 calories, with 5g of fat, 29g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein, making them a balanced choice for a snack or breakfast treat. However, bear in mind that ingredient variations can affect caloric content. These muffins are best enjoyed as part of a well-rounded diet, contributing to your daily intake of fruits and grains.

Storing Tips & Variations

Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maximize freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to preserve them for longer, freeze the baked muffins in a freezer-safe bag and reheat in the microwave or oven when needed. For variations, try substituting the cranberries with blueberries or chopped apples. Adding a sprinkle of walnuts or chocolate chips can also create a delightful twist.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Muffins are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors that combine to create warmth and joy in every bite. Whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast option or a delightful snack to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to please. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on this baking adventure. Your taste buds will thank you, and we can’t wait to hear about your delicious experience!

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries for fresh. Just remember that dried cranberries are sweeter, so you might want to reduce the sugar in the recipe.

2. Can I make these muffins in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the muffins a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

3. How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your muffins are done.

4. Can I add nuts to the muffin batter?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would complement the flavors beautifully. Just fold them in with the cranberries.

5. Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?

Certainly! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best results.

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Delightful muffins that combine tart cranberries with zesty orange for a perfect breakfast or snack.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 and 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• Optional: coarse sparkling sugar for sprinkling on top
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and grease or line a muffin pan.
2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until blended. Gradually add the 2/3 cup of flour until crumbly. Refrigerate this topping.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
5. Add the orange zest, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
6. Gently fold in the wet and dry ingredients, orange juice, milk, and then cranberries.
7. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter and sprinkle with crumb topping if desired.
8. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 16-19 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool slightly before removing from the pan and drizzle with confectioners’ sugar mixed with orange juice.

Notes

To elevate your muffins, consider adding nutmeg or chopped pecans. Ensure baking powder and soda are fresh.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Sharing is caring!