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To make delicious cranberry orange muffins, you need simple ingredients. Here’s the list: - 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 large orange (zested and juiced) - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar added) - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw) - ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) - Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon orange juice Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. The flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the muffins rise. Salt and cinnamon enhance the taste. Orange zest and juice bring a bright, fresh flavor. Melted butter adds moisture and richness. The egg binds everything together, and buttermilk keeps the muffins tender. Cranberries provide a tart kick that pairs well with the sweet orange. If you want extra crunch, add chopped walnuts. For a sweet finish, drizzle the optional glaze on top. This combination makes the muffins a true treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make your cranberry orange muffins, follow these steps carefully. 1. Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin First, heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper cups. This helps prevent sticking. 2. Combine dry ingredients In a large bowl, mix together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir well to blend. 3. Whisk wet ingredients In another bowl, whisk 1 large orange's zest and juice, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and ½ cup of buttermilk. Make sure everything is mixed well. 4. Mix wet and dry ingredients Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. You want a few lumps. Overmixing can make the muffins tough. 5. Fold in cranberries and walnuts Gently fold in 1 cup of cranberries and ½ cup of chopped walnuts if you are using them. Spread them evenly through the batter. 6. Fill muffin cups and bake Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with the batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Muffins should be golden brown. You can check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Enjoy the process of making these muffins! The warm, sweet smell will fill your kitchen as they bake. - How to avoid overmixing Mix your wet and dry ingredients gently. Stir until just combined. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing makes muffins tough. - Using fresh vs. frozen cranberries Fresh cranberries give a bright flavor. Frozen cranberries work too, but do not thaw them. This keeps your batter cold and the muffins fluffy. - Importance of zesting oranges Zest adds a burst of citrus flavor. Use a microplane to get fine zest. It makes the muffins taste fresh and bright. - Checking doneness of muffins Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, the muffins are done. They should be golden brown on top. Pro Tips Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: Using fresh cranberries will give you a burst of flavor, while frozen cranberries are a great option for convenience and can be used directly from the freezer without thawing. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Perfect Muffin Height: Fill the muffin cups about ¾ full to ensure they rise beautifully during baking without overflowing. Glaze for Extra Flavor: The orange glaze adds a delightful sweetness and enhances the orange flavor in the muffins. Drizzle it on once the muffins are completely cooled. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients to fit your needs. Here are a few ideas: - Alternative sweeteners: If you want less sugar, use honey or maple syrup. Both work well and add a unique flavor. - Gluten-free options: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has xantham gum for better texture. - Adding spices or additional fruits: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for warmth. You can also mix in blueberries or apples for a twist. Want to boost the flavor? Here are some fun options: - Different citrus combinations: Use lemon or lime juice instead of orange for a fresh taste. You can mix citrus for a more complex flavor. - Including chocolate chips: Fold in dark or white chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. They melt and create a delightful richness. - Adding streusel topping: Create a crumbly topping with flour, sugar, and butter. Sprinkle it on before baking for extra crunch. - Storing muffins at room temperature: Keep your cranberry orange muffins in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days. Place them in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent them from drying out. - Freezing muffins for later: If you want to save muffins for later, freeze them! Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They last up to three months in the freezer. To eat, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven. - How to refresh stale muffins: If your muffins get stale, don’t worry! You can refresh them. Wrap the muffins in a damp paper towel. Microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. This adds moisture back into the muffins and makes them soft again. - Pairing ideas: Enjoy your cranberry orange muffins with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The bright flavors of orange and tart cranberries balance nicely with warm drinks. You can also serve them with a spread of butter or cream cheese for added creaminess. - Creative serving presentations: Serve your muffins on a colorful plate or a wooden board. Add a few fresh cranberries and orange slices around the muffins. This not only looks pretty but also makes the dish more inviting! You can even drizzle some glaze on top for a sweet finish. Can I use other fruits in this recipe? Yes, you can use other fruits! Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples work well. Just keep the amount the same. Adjust the flavor to your taste. How do I know when the muffins are done? Check for a golden color. Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. If it has wet batter, bake a few more minutes. Can I make the batter ahead of time? You can! Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately. Store them in the fridge. Combine them just before baking for fresh muffins. What do I do if my muffins are too dry? If your muffins are dry, check your baking time. You may have baked them too long. Next time, add a bit more buttermilk or butter for moisture. This recipe brings together basic ingredients and clear steps to make tasty muffins. You learned about mixing dry and wet ingredients and folding in cranberries. I shared tips for mixing, zesting, and checking muffin doneness. You also found ways to change flavors and store your muffins well. Enjoy experimenting with these muffins. Try different fruit or spices. With these tips, you can create a delicious treat every time. Happy baking!

Cranberry Bliss Muffins

Delicious muffins with a blend of cranberries and orange zest, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.75 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cups buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar added)
  • 1 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
  • 0.5 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 0.5 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice (for glaze)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper muffin cups.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, melted butter, egg, and buttermilk until thoroughly combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  • Fold in the cranberries and walnuts (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  • Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about ¾ full.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • If desired, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled muffins for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

For a sweeter touch, drizzle with optional glaze.
Keyword breakfast, cranberries, muffins, orange