Cranberry Orange Muffins

There’s something magical about the combination of cranberry and orange flavors that evokes a sense of warmth and comfort. The tangy sweetness of cranberries paired with the bright, zesty notes of fresh oranges creates a delightful explosion of taste in every bite. This harmony makes Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins a favored choice among bakers and breakfast enthusiasts alike, offering an invigorating start to your day or a delightful snack option.

Indulge in the bright flavors of Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins with this delightful recipe. The perfect blend of tart cranberries and refreshing orange zest brings warmth to your mornings or snack time. Enjoy the experience of homemade goodness as you bake these fluffy muffins, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or tea time. With easy-to-follow steps and quality ingredients, you’ll be savoring the comforting aroma and taste in no time. Make your kitchen a haven of delightful baking today!

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Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup fresh orange juice (for the best flavor)

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm flavor)

¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a standard 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing each cup with non-stick spray.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully blended and there are no lumps.

Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter (allow it to cool slightly first), fresh orange juice, large egg, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the two mixtures together until just combined. Take care not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.

Add Cranberries and Nuts: Carefully fold in the chopped cranberries and, if desired, the chopped walnuts or pecans. The batter will be thick, which is perfectly normal for muffins.

Fill Muffin Tins: Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to evenly distribute the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about ¾ full to allow for rising.

Bake: Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-22 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are delightful warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 35 mins | Makes 12 muffins

Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, serve the muffins on a decorative platter, dust lightly with powdered sugar, and garnish with a few fresh cranberries and orange slices. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!