Cranberry orange muffins are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and citrusy goodness. Their bright, fresh flavors make them an irresistible treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a festive snack. With a soft texture and vibrant color, these muffins will quickly become a favorite in your baking routine.
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious cranberry orange muffins, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and moist muffin. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar (you can adjust the sweetness to your preference)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup milk (or buttermilk for an extra tang)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of one orange
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped if large)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture
Recipe (Procedure)
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious cranberry orange muffins:
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Add the orange zest for that fresh citrus fragrance.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
- Add the cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries (and nuts if you’re using them). The cranberries will add beautiful color and a juicy burst of flavor when baked.
- Fill the muffin tin: Divide the muffin batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This helps them rise nicely during baking.
- Bake the muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and slightly domed.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm, or store them in an airtight container for a few days.
Conclusion
These cranberry orange muffins are a perfect mix of refreshing flavors and soft texture, making them a delightful treat for any time of day. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, they’re guaranteed to brighten up your kitchen and your taste buds!