Cranberry Orange Muffins

There’s something truly special about baking, especially when it comes to making Cranberry Orange Muffins. I remember the first time I baked these delightful treats; the aroma of fresh cranberries mingling with zesty orange filled my kitchen and made my heart sing. It was a cool fall morning, and I was inspired by the vibrant colors of autumn. I wanted to create something that not only looked beautiful but also tasted fantastic and captured the essence of the season. These muffins quickly became a family favorite, perfect for brunches or cozy evenings with a cup of tea.

As I mixed the ingredients, the anticipation grew. Would they turn out fluffy and flavorful? The moment I pulled them from the oven, golden brown and smelling heavenly, I knew I had created something magical. Each bite is a burst of tangy sweetness, and it’s hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!). I love making a big batch so I can share them with friends and neighbors, spreading a little joy with every muffin.

These Cranberry Orange Muffins are not just a recipe; they are a celebration of fall, family, and the joy of simple pleasures. Whether you’re enjoying them at breakfast or serving them at a holiday gathering, they’re sure to warm hearts and fill bellies. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s create some delicious memories together!

Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Muffins

The ingredients for Cranberry Orange Muffins come together beautifully to create a delicious treat that captures the essence of fall. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. From the tartness of fresh cranberries to the brightness of orange zest, this combination is simply irresistible.

• Fresh Cranberries: These tart little gems not only provide flavor but also a lovely pop of color that brightens up the muffins.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any muffin recipe, it provides structure and helps achieve that fluffy texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: This warm spice adds depth and enhances the flavor of the orange and cranberries.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and become light.
• Baking Soda: Works in tandem with baking powder to ensure a perfect rise.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter while allowing the tartness of the cranberries to shine through.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the muffins.
• Orange Zest: Infuses the batter with a fresh and vibrant citrus flavor.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and add moisture for a tender muffin.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: Keeps the muffins moist and adds a slight tang.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Orange Juice: Enhances the orange flavor and contributes to the overall moisture.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for the simple glaze that adds a sweet finish to the muffins.

Cooking Method for Cranberry Orange Muffins

The cooking method for Cranberry Orange Muffins is straightforward and fun! I love how quickly you can whip these up, making them perfect for impromptu baking sessions. Just follow these simple steps to create your own batch of muffins.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), or 200°C if you’re using a fan oven. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and set it aside. This step is crucial because starting at a high temperature helps the muffins rise beautifully.
2. Add the fresh cranberries to a large food processor. Pulse them until they are chopped into smaller pieces, about four to five times. Set them aside for now. This will make sure you have evenly distributed cranberries throughout the muffins.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients together ensures they’re well combined, helping to prevent any clumps.
4. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and orange zest. Beat with a mixer on medium-high for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key to achieving muffins with a lovely texture.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. The eggs not only bind the ingredients but also add moisture to the batter.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, milk, orange juice, and pure vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture adds richness and flavor to the muffins.
7. Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Then pour in the yogurt mixture and mix again until smooth. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins light.
8. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step ensures every muffin has that delightful burst of tartness.
9. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling them almost to the top. They will rise beautifully in the oven!
10. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (180°C) for an additional 12 to 15 minutes. They’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them set and makes for easier removal.
12. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice, then drizzle it on top of the cooled muffins for a sweet finish. This step adds a lovely touch!

Recipe Variations about Cranberry Orange Muffins

While the traditional Cranberry Orange Muffins are delicious on their own, there are plenty of fun ways to mix things up! Here are some variations to consider:

• Add Nuts: Consider folding in walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added texture.
• Swap for Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried cranberries work well. They add sweetness and chewiness.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a warm, cozy flavor profile.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist that pairs beautifully with the orange.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
• Vegan Variation: Replace eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture and opt for plant-based milk and yogurt to create a vegan-friendly muffin.
• Fruity Twist: Mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a berry muffin variation!

Serving This Cranberry Orange Muffins

Serving Cranberry Orange Muffins is all about creating the right atmosphere to enjoy their delightful flavors. Here are some ideas:

• Morning Delight: Serve these muffins warm for breakfast with a pat of butter or a dollop of cream cheese.
• Midday Snack: Pair them with a cup of tea for an afternoon pick-me-up that’s both satisfying and delicious.
• Brunch Treat: They make a great addition to any brunch spread, alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
• Holiday Gatherings: These muffins are perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations. Their festive colors and flavors are sure to impress your guests.
• Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
• Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy them in the fall with warm spiced cider or in spring with fresh juice.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cranberry Orange Muffins are truly a delightful treat that brings together the tartness of cranberries and the brightness of orange zest in every bite. They’re not just easy to make, but they also fill your home with the most wonderful aroma while baking. I encourage you to try making these muffins yourself and share them with loved ones. They’re perfect for any occasion, and I promise they will be a hit at your next gathering!

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Experience the burst of flavors in each bite of these delightful Cranberry Orange Muffins. With a perfect balance of tart and sweet, they're the ideal treat for any occasion. These easy muffins are bursting with seasonal goodness and are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 12 muffins

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 190

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Fresh Cranberries rinsed and dried
• 2 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
• ½ cup Unsalted Butter softened to room temperature
• 1 tablespoon Orange Zest
• 2 large Eggs at room temperature
• ½ cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• ½ cup Milk
• ¼ cup Orange Juice
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (5ml)
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Orange Juice

Equipment

• 12 cup muffin pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food Processor

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), or 200°C if you’re using a fan oven. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and set it aside. This step is crucial because starting at a high temperature helps the muffins rise beautifully.
2. Add the fresh cranberries to a large food processor. Pulse them until they are chopped into smaller pieces, about four to five times. Set them aside for now. This will make sure you have evenly distributed cranberries throughout the muffins.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients together ensures they're well combined, helping to prevent any clumps.
4. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and orange zest. Beat with a mixer on medium-high for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key to achieving muffins with a lovely texture.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. The eggs not only bind the ingredients but also add moisture to the batter.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, milk, orange juice, and pure vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture adds richness and flavor to the muffins.
7. Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Then pour in the yogurt mixture and mix again until smooth. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins light.
8. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step ensures every muffin has that delightful burst of tartness.
9. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling them almost to the top. They will rise beautifully in the oven!
10. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (180°C) for an additional 12 to 15 minutes. They’re done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them set and makes for easier removal.
12. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice, then drizzle it on top of the cooled muffins for a sweet finish. This step adds a lovely touch!

Notes

• Three Bowls: You need three bowls to make this muffin recipe—one for the dry ingredients, one for the wet ingredients, and one for creaming the butter and sugar. This method is key to achieving a fluffy texture.
• Use Paper Liners: While I love the simplicity of paper muffin liners, you can also grease the muffin tins generously if you prefer a more rustic look.
• Don't Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to prevent tough, dense muffins.
• Two Baking Temperatures: Start baking at a high temperature and then lower it. This trick helps achieve beautifully domed muffins.
• Storage: Store your muffins at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.