Cranberry Orange Muffins

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Cranberry Orange Muffins are a delightful fusion of tart and sweet flavors that brighten up any breakfast or snack time. With the zesty aroma of fresh oranges and the vibrant tang of cranberries, these muffins are perfect for those who crave a little excitement in their baked goods.

The combination of juicy cranberries and fragrant orange zest makes for a moist and flavorful treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday brunch, packing them for a picnic, or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these muffins are both comforting and refreshing.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (freshly grated)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar added)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 medium orange)

For the Topping (optional):

• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

How to Make

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. Make sure everything is evenly distributed to ensure your muffins rise properly.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and fresh orange juice. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot; it should be warm to the touch but not steaming, as this can cook the eggs when combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Fold in the cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with the batter. If desired, sprinkle the coarse sugar and extra orange zest on top for added sweetness and crunch.

Step 6: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly domed.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Chef’s Note

These Cranberry Orange Muffins are incredibly versatile! You can easily switch up the flavors by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch. If you prefer a sweeter muffin, consider increasing the sugar by a couple of tablespoons or adding a streusel topping made from flour, sugar, and butter.

For an extra burst of flavor, you can fold in white chocolate chips or use dried cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just remember to reduce the sugar slightly since dried cranberries are typically sweeter.

These muffins freeze beautifully! Store them in an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)

• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g (includes natural sugars from cranberries and added sugar)
• Vitamin C: 5% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 6% of the DV
• Iron: 4% of the DV

Cranberry Orange Muffins are not only a delicious treat but also offer some nutritional benefits. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which are beneficial for your immune system. Oranges, of course, are famous for their vitamin C content as well, contributing to your overall health.

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can whip up a batch over the weekend, and they’ll last all week, making them a convenient breakfast option for busy mornings.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, needing a quick snack, or just indulging in some homemade goodness, these muffins are sure to delight. Their unique flavor combination and tender crumb make them a standout choice for any occasion. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the delightful aroma of Cranberry Orange Muffins wafting through your kitchen!

Thanks for visiting Fruits Recipes