Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe – A Delicious & Nutritious
Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the refreshing citrus flavor of orange, creating a deliciously balanced treat. This easy-to-follow recipe starts with the basic muffin ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. To bring in the vibrant flavors, fresh or dried cranberries are folded into the batter along with freshly grated orange zest and a bit of orange juice. The result is a moist, slightly tangy muffin with bursts of fruit in every bite. For extra sweetness, you can add a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice. These Cranberry Orange Muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea. The combination of flavors not only adds a festive touch but also provides a refreshing contrast to heavier, more traditional baked goods. Try this Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe for a delightful twist on classic muffin flavors!
Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe – A Delicious & Nutritious Holiday Treat
Cranberry orange muffins are a perfect combination of tart, sweet, and refreshing flavors. These muffins are a delightful way to start your day, whether you’re preparing for a holiday breakfast, a cozy weekend brunch, or just looking to add a seasonal twist to your baking routine. The bright citrusy zing of the orange balances beautifully with the tangy cranberries, creating a muffin that’s not too sweet and full of flavor. In addition to their vibrant taste, these muffins are packed with nutrients and can easily be made into a healthier version by substituting a few ingredients.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating the perfect cranberry orange muffins, ensuring they come out soft, moist, and full of flavor. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen cranberries, if out of season)
- ½ cup milk
- Optional: 1 tablespoon orange zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray to prevent the muffins from sticking.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will ensure the dry ingredients are well mixed and free of any lumps.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add the wet to the dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.
- Fold in the cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries. If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first, but be gentle while folding to prevent the berries from breaking.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin tin: Evenly divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling each one about 2/3 full. If desired, sprinkle a small amount of extra orange zest on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake the muffins: Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them warm or at room temperature.
Prep Time
- 10 minutes – Preparing the ingredients and mixing the batter.
Active Time
- 25 minutes – The time spent baking the muffins.
Resting Time
- 5 minutes – Letting the muffins cool slightly in the tin.
Total Time
- 40 minutes – From start to finish, including prep, baking, and cooling.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 180–200 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Vitamin A: 4% of daily value
- Vitamin C: 10% of daily value
- Calcium: 3% of daily value
- Iron: 4% of daily value
Equipment
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for orange zest
- Oven
- Wire rack for cooling
- Muffin liners (optional)
Cuisines
This recipe falls under American cuisine, with an infusion of fresh citrus and fruit flavors. It’s perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave something sweet yet slightly tart.
Course
This recipe can be served as a breakfast, brunch, or a snack. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or milk for a refreshing treat.
Servings
This recipe makes 12 muffins.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh cranberries: If possible, use fresh cranberries, as they provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen cranberries, avoid thawing them first, as this may cause excess moisture to seep into the batter.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter will make the muffins dense, so fold the ingredients gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer your muffins on the sweeter side, you can increase the sugar by 1/4 cup. Conversely, you can decrease the sugar for a more savory muffin.
- Make it healthier: For a healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, and use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. You can also swap the butter with applesauce or coconut oil for a lower-fat option.
- Make ahead and freeze: These muffins freeze well! If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, just pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or toast them in the oven for a few minutes.
Conclusion
These cranberry orange muffins are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, offering a refreshing flavor profile that’s perfect for any season. With simple ingredients and a quick baking time, you can easily make a batch of these muffins for yourself, your family, or for guests. Whether you’re making them for a holiday breakfast or simply for an afternoon snack, these muffins will be a hit every time.
With a mix of wholesome ingredients and nutrient-rich cranberries and oranges, these muffins offer both flavor and health benefits. Plus, they can be easily customized to fit dietary preferences, so there’s no reason not to give them a try. Enjoy baking these cranberry orange muffins and savor every bite of this delicious and nutritious treat!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.