Spiced Cranberry Orange Muffins (with a Walnut Crumb Topping)

If you’re looking for the ultimate festive muffin recipe, these Spiced Cranberry Orange Muffins are it! Bursting with juicy cranberries, bright orange zest, warm cozy spices, and topped with a buttery crumble, they’re everything you love about holiday baking in one perfect bite. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them at brunch, these muffins deliver a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Flavorful: The combination of fresh cranberries and orange zest creates a bright, tangy flavor perfect for the holiday season.
• Moist and Tender: Thanks to Greek yogurt, these muffins are incredibly soft and moist.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have bakery-style muffins ready in no time.
• Customizable: You can use fresh or frozen cranberries, and the crumble topping can be adjusted to suit your taste.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Muffins

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful muffins:

Muffins

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure.
• 1 tbsp baking soda and 1 tsp baking powder: For a perfect rise.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances the flavors.
• ½ cup butter, softened: Adds richness.
• ½ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and a hint of molasses from the brown sugar.
• 2 tbsp orange zest and 2 tbsp fresh orange juice: Delivers vibrant citrus notes.
• ½ cup Greek yogurt: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
• ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp cardamom: Warm spices to complement the cranberries.
• 1 cup cranberries: Use fresh or frozen for a tart burst of flavor.

Crumble Topping

• ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a crunchy texture.
• ½ tsp nutmeg: A warm, aromatic touch.
• ¼ cup butter, melted: Binds the topping together.
• ⅔ cup flour: Creates the crumbly texture.
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts: Adds a nutty crunch.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the orange zest, orange juice, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the cranberries gently.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, nutmeg, melted butter, flour, and chopped walnuts until crumbly.

Step 6: Assemble the Muffins

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each muffin.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350F and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

• Dried Cranberries: Soak dried cranberries in orange juice for a softer texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Citrus Glaze: Drizzle a simple orange glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled muffins for extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are perfect served:

• Warm with butter: For a cozy breakfast treat.
• With coffee or tea: A delightful pairing for your afternoon break.
• As a holiday brunch centerpiece: Their festive colors make them perfect for seasonal gatherings.

Storing and Freezing

• Storing: Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze muffins in a single layer in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a fresh taste.

Why These Muffins Are the Best

This recipe balances tart cranberries with sweet, zesty orange in a moist, fluffy muffin base. The walnut-studded crumble topping adds texture and flavor, making these muffins a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Other Muffin Recipes You’ll Love

• Moist Muffins with Nutella Swirl
• Healthy Banana Carrot Muffins
• Carrot Cake Muffins
• Apple Muffins Recipe with Cinnamon
• Small Batch Banana Muffins
• Pumpkin Walnut and White Chocolate Chip Muffins

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday breakfast or just want a cozy weekend baking project, these Cranberry Orange Muffins are guaranteed to delight. Their vibrant flavors and irresistible texture make them a must-try for muffin lovers everywhere.

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