This Cranberry Orange Muffins recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweet citrus flavor of oranges. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these muffins are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, you'll have warm, fresh muffins ready in no time. This recipe yields 12 muffins, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays.
Every holiday season, I cannot wait to bake these cranberry orange muffins, a recipe that never fails to bring a festive touch to our gatherings. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet, zesty orange perfectly reflects the season's flavors.
These muffins are a treat and a tradition, reminding me of the joy and warmth of holiday baking. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they always bring a smile to everyone's face.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe balances the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange juice and zest, creating a flavor profile that's both refreshing and satisfying. Spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger add warmth and depth, while the chopped walnuts provide a delightful crunch. The combination of these ingredients ensures that each bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients needed
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the muffins.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the texture.
- Baking powder: Leavening agent that helps the muffins rise.
- Baking soda: Works with the acid in the orange juice to provide additional leavening.
- Orange Zest: Adds a burst of citrus flavor.
- Nutmeg: Adds warmth and a subtle, spicy flavor.
- Cinnamon: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet and spicy notes.
- Ginger: Adds a slight peppery and sweet flavor.
- Butter: Provides richness and moisture.
- Orange juice: Adds flavor and moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture.
- Cranberries: Add tartness and a pop of color. You can use fresh cranberries or frozen ones.
- Chopped walnuts: Add texture and a nutty flavor.
How To Make These Cranberry Orange Muffins
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease muffin pan or line with paper muffin liners. Set aside.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, grated orange peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger.
Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry blender or fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir in the orange juice, vanilla extract, and slightly beaten eggs until just combined.
Add Cranberries and Walnuts: Gently fold in the cranberries and chopped walnuts, ensuring even distribution.
Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the greased muffin pan, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips
- Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is cold when cutting it into the dry ingredients to achieve the desired coarse meal texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until they are combined to prevent the muffins from becoming dense.
- Frozen Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter to prevent the muffins from becoming too wet.
What To Serve With Cranberry Orange Muffins
Cranberry Orange Muffins are versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments:
- Breakfast: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
- Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a complete brunch.
- Afternoon Snack: Enjoy with a glass of milk or a smoothie.
How To Store Cranberry Orange Muffins
Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the muffins for up to a week.
Freezing: These muffins freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
More Muffin Recipes To Love
- Basic Corn Muffins (Quick And Easy)
- Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
- Classic Blueberry Muffins
- Savory Cranberry Muffins
- Easy Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
- Easy Banana Nut Muffins
📖 Recipe
Cranberry Orange Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
- 1 ½ teaspoons nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs slightly beaten
- 1 ½ cups cranberries fresh or frozen, cut large ones in half
- 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease muffin pan or line with paper muffin liners. Set aside.
- Combine first eight ingredients in a bowl and blend well.
- Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Stir in orange juice, vanilla and eggs.
- Fold in cranberries and nuts.
- Spoon into well greased muffin cups.
- Bake at 350F for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Butter: For best results, use cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients to create a crumbly texture that leads to tender muffins.
- Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, there's no need to thaw them before adding to the batter; this helps prevent the muffins from becoming too moist.
- Orange Zest: Freshly grated orange zest adds the most vibrant flavor. Make sure to avoid grating too deep into the pith, as it can be bitter.
- Nuts: Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or leave them out altogether for a nut-free version.
- Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Gigi says
These muffins are so tasty and they’re so flavorful. The orange and the cranberry really work together. Yum!