Cranberry orange muffins are a delicious combination of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any time of the day. These muffins are soft, moist, and bursting with fresh cranberries and the bright zest of oranges. They’re easy to make and come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
The sweet orange flavor perfectly balances the tartness of the cranberries, creating a treat that’s refreshing yet comforting. Whether it’s for a cozy morning at home or a holiday gathering, cranberry orange muffins are always a crowd-pleaser.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works so well because it combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The fresh cranberries add bursts of tangy goodness, while the orange zest and juice brighten up the muffins with their sweet citrusy aroma. The addition of butter or oil ensures the muffins stay moist and tender, while the sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
Another reason to make this recipe is its versatility. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and works for a variety of occasions. You can swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, like using whole wheat flour or adding nuts for crunch. These muffins are also great for meal prep, as they freeze well and make a convenient grab-and-go snack. This recipe guarantees soft, flavorful muffins that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Fresh Cranberries -Adds a tangy burst of flavor. You can use dried cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available—just soak them in orange juice to soften.
Orange Zest -Provides a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, lemon zest can be a substitute, though it will slightly alter the taste.
All-Purpose Flour -Forms the base of the muffins. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the muffins may be denser.
Sugar -Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Brown sugar or a sugar substitute like coconut sugar can work too.
Butter or Oil -Keeps the muffins moist and tender. Use melted butter for a rich flavor or vegetable oil for a lighter texture.
Tips
- Toss cranberries in a little flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter.
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it can make the muffins tough.
- Line the muffin tin with paper liners for easy cleanup.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
How to Serve
Cranberry orange muffins are a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Their tangy and sweet flavors make them refreshing yet comforting. Serve them warm for the best experience, as the flavors are more vibrant and the texture is soft and fluffy.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or butter for a richer snack.
- Add them to a holiday breakfast spread alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
Similar Recipes
White Chocolate Raspberry Muffins
Cranberry Orange Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries chopped
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter or oil, orange juice, orange zest, milk, and egg. Mix well.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the cranberries gently.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Notes
• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter; it can make the muffins tough.
• Line the muffin tin with paper liners for easy cleanup.
• Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Are the cranberry’s dried or the kind you cook?
These cranberry orange muffins are heavy on the flavor and bejeweled with beautiful cranberries in each bite.