Cranberry Orange Muffins are a delightful blend of tangy cranberries and zesty orange, perfect for breakfast or a snack. This recipe brings together the freshness of orange zest and juice with the tartness of cranberries, all baked into a moist and flavorful muffin. Follow this simple recipe to create these delicious muffins that are sure to brighten up your day.
Table of Contents
- Cranberry Orange Muffin Ingredients
- How to Make Cranberry Orange Muffins
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Muffins
- Other Muffin Recipes You’ll Love
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Serving Suggestions
- Final Thoughts
- Connect with Me
There’s something special about the combination of cranberries and oranges that feels just right, especially during the colder months. As a recipe developer with over a decade of experience, I’ve always been drawn to recipes that use seasonal ingredients in simple, yet flavorful ways. This cranberry orange muffin recipe is a perfect example. It’s a recipe that I’ve perfected over the years, ensuring a balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and comforting. Whether you’re baking for your family or preparing a treat to share with friends, these muffins are sure to impress.
Cranberry Orange Muffin Ingredients
- 8 tbsp butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest (zest of 1 orange)
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup fresh orange juice (juice of 1 orange)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup fresh or frozen cranberries (or dried cranberries if preferred)
How to Make Cranberry Orange Muffins
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Muffin Pan: Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Mixing the Batter
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, orange zest, ground cardamom, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice and Greek yogurt. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries until just combined.
Baking the Muffins
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh orange zest and juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the tartness of cranberries.
- Moist and Tender: The Greek yogurt ensures these muffins are incredibly moist and tender, with a perfect crumb.
- Versatile: You can easily substitute fresh cranberries with frozen or dried cranberries, making this recipe adaptable to what you have on hand.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Muffins
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and yogurt are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough muffins.
- Use Fresh Zest and Juice: Fresh orange zest and juice make a big difference in flavor, so don’t skip this step.
Other Muffin Recipes You’ll Love
- Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins
- Raspberry and Almond Muffins
- Apple and Cinnamon Muffins
- Raspberry and White Chocolate Muffins
- Orange and Cranberry Muffins
- Strawberry and Oat Muffins
- Healthy Carrot and Banana Muffins
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries. If using dried, you may want to soak them in some orange juice beforehand to rehydrate them slightly and add extra flavor.
How do I store these muffins?
Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Enjoy these muffins warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious start to your day.
- Snack: They make a perfect snack to pack in lunchboxes or enjoy with an afternoon beverage.
- Holiday Treat: These muffins are especially popular during the holiday season, making them a great addition to your festive baking list.
Final Thoughts
These cranberry orange muffins are a delightful treat that combines the vibrant flavors of citrus and cranberries into a moist, tender muffin. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast option, a snack, or a holiday treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. As a seasoned recipe developer, I’m excited to share this recipe with you and hope it inspires you to get baking. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Happy baking!
Connect with Me
For more delicious and easy recipes, follow me on Instagram and join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
