Cranberry orange muffins are a delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor. These muffins are bursting with juicy cranberries and citrusy notes, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or a delightful snack. In this article, we will share a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for homemade cranberry orange muffins that are sure to brighten your day. Get ready to indulge in the tangy cranberries and the refreshing zest of oranges in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. Make sure the dry ingredients are well combined. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. - Incorporate the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture. - Fold in the Cranberries:
Gently fold in the cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The tartness of the cranberries complements the citrusy flavor of the orange. - Fill the Muffin Cups:
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, divide the batter equally among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. - Bake to Perfection:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should have a golden-brown top. - Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy them while still warm.
Optional: Glaze
For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled muffins. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the muffins and let it set before serving.
Cranberry orange muffins are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the refreshing citrus flavor of oranges. With this simple recipe, you can easily bake a batch of moist and flavorful muffins that will brighten up your day. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the tangy aroma and delightful taste of homemade cranberry orange muffins. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these muffins are sure to bring a burst of flavor to your palate and put a smile on your face.
