Irresistible Delicious Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins

The aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone weak at the knees. Picture this: warm, fluffy, and bursting with vibrant flavors of tart cranberries and zesty oranges—these are not just any muffins; they are delicious festive cranberry orange muffins that scream holiday cheer. pumpkin pie cheesecake truffles chewy pumpkin blondies soft pumpkin snickerdoodles. For more inspiration, check out this easy baked cranberry sliders recipe.

Every bite transports you back to cozy family gatherings, where laughter fills the air and the sweet scent of citrus mingles with joy. These delightful treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful afternoon snack during the holidays. Get ready to indulge in a muffin experience that will leave you craving more.

I remember the first time I made these muffins; my family couldn’t stop raving about them. One bite led to smiles, and soon we were fighting over the last muffin!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; I recommend using unbleached for a better flavor.
• Baking Powder: This helps your muffins rise to fluffy perfection; double-check it’s fresh!
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors beautifully.
• Milk: Use whole milk for richness or any alternative milk you prefer.
• Eggs: They bind everything together; opt for room temperature eggs for best results.
• Fresh Cranberries: Tartness adds zing; if unavailable, frozen works too—just don’t thaw them!
• Orange Zest: A must-have for that aromatic citrus kick; be generous!
• Butter: Melted butter gives these muffins a rich flavor; let it cool slightly before mixing in.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to these festive treats.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and helps achieve that golden-brown top everyone loves.

Prepare Your Muffin Tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray generously with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. The mixture should look like fluffy clouds—trust me, it’s going to be delicious!

Create Your Wet Mixture: In another bowl, mix melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth. The aroma will already start teasing your senses!

Add Cranberries: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries into your wet mixture. Try not to squish them too much unless you want pink muffins instead of vibrant red ones.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and stir just until combined—don’t overmix! The batter should be lumpy but cohesive.

Bake Those Muffins: Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean!

Once done baking, let them cool in the tin for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The irresistible smell will have everyone flocking around like moths to a flame!

If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive treat that brings everyone together over shared delight—these delicious festive cranberry orange muffins are the answer! Whether it’s during holiday gatherings or cozy winter mornings at home, they never fail to brighten up any occasion. creamy pumpkin custard With their moist texture and zesty flavor profile, you’ll have friends asking for your secret recipe in no time!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix dry ingredients first, then incorporate wet ingredients for a consistent batter, ensuring even baking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries with blueberries or add nuts for an extra crunch. Experimenting can lead to tasty surprises in each batch!

Storing & Reheating

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm treat anytime.

Baking these cranberry orange muffins reminds me of family gatherings where every bite sparks joy and laughter. Friends rave about their flavor, and I cherish those moments in the kitchen.

FAQ

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries work well but will give a different taste and texture.

How do I know when my muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely! They freeze well; just wrap them tightly before storing them in an airtight container.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 12 muffins 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive flavors of these delightful cranberry orange muffins! Bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings, these muffins are easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk (whole or alternative)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, unthawed)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup melted butter (cooled)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin with liners or nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
4. Gently fold in cranberries into the wet mixture, then pour it into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Spoon batter into muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin (60g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg