1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. While it’s heating, grease a 12-hole muffin tin with butter to ensure the muffins come out easily after baking. This initial preparation is essential for a perfect bake!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk them together until thoroughly blended. This dry mixture will provide the base of flavors for your muffins.
3. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine light-brown sugar, butter, vegetable oil (1 Tbsp), and orange zest. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial to incorporate air into the batter, making your muffins light and airy.
4. Add the remaining vegetable oil and unsweetened applesauce into the mixture, blending just until combined. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Also, add vanilla extract with the second egg. This ensures all ingredients are well integrated.
5. Now, stir in the molasses. The batter will start to become rich and aromatic. Next, fold in one-third of the dry mixture you prepared earlier, alternating with half of the milk. Repeat this until all ingredients are combined. Make sure not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.
6. Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each nearly to the top. This will give your muffins a nice dome shape. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes.
7. After 8 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees and continue baking for another 8 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This ensures they are perfectly baked.
8. Once done, remove the muffins from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen them from the tin. Transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool slightly. This cooling step is essential to ensure they hold their shape.
9. When the muffins are slightly warm, dip their tops into the glaze or spread it over the tops. To prepare the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla extract, and enough orange juice to make a smooth consistency. Allow the glaze to set at room temperature.
10. Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for several days, although I doubt they’ll last that long!
