It’s that time of year when the air turns crisp and cool, and the spirit of comfort baking takes over. What better way to embrace this season than with a batch of Orange Cranberry Muffins? These delightful treats are packed with bright citrus flavor and the tangy sweetness of cranberries. They make the perfect addition to your breakfast table, brunch gatherings, or even an afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
As the warm aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll feel the stress of the day melt away. Each muffin is soft and moist, with just the right amount of zest. They’re not only a joy to eat but also a feast for the eyes, with vibrant pops of color showcasing their delicious ingredients. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s bake something special. In a few steps, you’ll have a batch of these Orange Cranberry Muffins that everyone will adore!
Ingredients
To get started, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for your Orange Cranberry Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, if fresh isn’t available)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
Before you start, make sure you have the right equipment on hand. You’ll need:
- A large mixing bowl
- A whisk
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A spatula
- A muffin tin
- Muffin liners or non-stick spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get into the fun part—baking these Orange Cranberry Muffins! Follow these steps to create your delicious treats.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready when your batter is mixed.
2. Prepare Your Muffin Tin
While the oven heats up, prepare your muffin tin. You can line it with muffin liners for easy cleanup or simply spray it with non-stick spray.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s important to mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk this mixture until everything is well combined. The aroma of the fresh orange juice will be tantalizing!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, add the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use your spatula to gently combine them until just mixed. Be careful not to overdo it; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to tough muffins, and we want them to be soft.
6. Fold in Cranberries
Once your batter is ready, gently fold in the cranberries. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen, ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step adds those delightful pockets of tart flavor.
7. Fill the Muffin Tin
Now, it’s time to fill your muffin tin. Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about two-thirds full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without spilling over.
8. Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing as they bake!
9. Cool and Serve
Once baked, take the muffins out and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps maintain their soft texture.
Tips for Perfect Orange Cranberry Muffins
Creating the perfect muffin is all about the little details. Here are some helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and juices enhance the flavor significantly. If cranberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work well too; just don’t thaw them before mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: As mentioned, mixing until just combined ensures a light, fluffy texture. Trust the process!
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunch. You can also swap out the cranberries for blueberries or diced apples if you prefer different flavors.
Storing Your Muffins
If you happen to have leftovers—though they might disappear quickly!—store your Orange Cranberry Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To enjoy them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping them snugly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer bag.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins shine on their own, but you can make them even more special with a few toppings or pairings:
- Spread a little butter: A light layer of butter brings out the flavors.
- Cream cheese frosting: For a decadent touch, a dollop of cream cheese frosting can kick it up a notch.
- Coffee or tea: Serve them with a warm beverage for a cozy breakfast or snack.
Final Thoughts
Baking Orange Cranberry Muffins is not just about the end result; it’s an experience. The joyful process of mixing, the mouthwatering aromas filling your kitchen, and the satisfaction of sharing with loved ones makes it worthwhile. So gather your ingredients, invite your friends or family to join in, and bake these delightful muffins today!
With this recipe in hand, you now have a delicious treat ready to brighten anyone’s day. Enjoy your baking adventure, and happy eating!
Print
Orange Cranberry Muffins
These Orange Cranberry Muffins are a delightful blend of citrus and berry flavors, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack. Moist and inviting, they’re sure to brighten your day!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, if fresh isn’t available)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare muffin tin with liners or non-stick spray.
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Combine wet ingredients in another bowl and mix well.
- Gently combine wet and dry mixtures until just mixed.
- Fold in cranberries carefully.
- Fill muffin tin about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and testing clean with a toothpick.
- Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
Consider adding nuts or other fruits for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 40
