Name: Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup milk; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; Zest and juice of 1 orange; 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries

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If you’re craving a bright, cheerful breakfast treat or a delightful snack to brighten your day, this Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe will become your new favorite. Imagine biting into a moist, tender muffin bursting with the tart punch of fresh cranberries and the sweet, fragrant zing of orange zest—each muffin feels like a little celebration of flavor and texture. They’re simple to make, perfect for gifting during the holidays, and with that irresistible balance of tart and sweet, these muffins are truly a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A gray metal muffin tray with six cups sits on a wooden kitchen counter. Nearby, there is a white bag of Gold Medal all-purpose flour displaying blue and yellow colors, a small black container of Morton salt, and a small glass jar of ground nutmeg with a white lid. Behind these, an orange and a brown egg are placed next to a white bag of Ocean Spray Craisins dried cranberries and a package of Arm & Hammer baking soda in its familiar yellow and orange box. To the right, two white and red blocks of Land O'Lakes salted butter are stacked. A handwritten recipe card is also visible on the counter below the butter. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these muffins just right starts with straightforward, fresh ingredients that work together like a dream. Every component plays a crucial role—from the fluffy texture to the vibrant flavors, making this Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe a treat that’s both wholesome and decadent.

2 cups of flour: The foundation that gives the muffins their soft, tender crumb.
1 cup sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Provides the essential lift for light, fluffy muffins.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite richer.
¾ cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
½ cup butter, melted: Adds a luxurious richness and helps create a golden crust.
2 eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and structure.
Zest and juice of 1 orange: The star for that fresh, citrusy brightness that uplifts the whole muffin.
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries: Bursting with tartness, they add color and vibrant flavor to every bite.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Proper oven heat is key to achieving a perfect rise and golden edges. Line your muffin tin with 12 liners to make removing your muffins a breeze and keep clean-up simple.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed, setting the stage for muffins that are perfectly balanced and rise evenly.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice. The orange components infuse the batter with fresh citrus flavor while the eggs and melted butter provide moisture and richness.

Step 4: Combine and Fold in Cranberries

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Overmixing can make muffins tough, so light folds are the secret to soft texture. Finally, fold in the cranberries carefully to distribute those lovely pops of tartness throughout.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye out for a golden top and a toothpick inserted in the center coming out clean—this means your Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe is ready to shine.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe

The image shows several crumb-topped muffins scattered on a white marbled surface. The muffins have a rough, golden-yellow crumb layer on top with swirls of red cranberry pieces baked inside, visible in each muffin's crumb topping. Alongside the muffins lie a few loose fresh cranberries, bright red and shiny. A small white bowl filled with fresh cranberries is placed among the muffins. There are also a few orange zest curls scattered around, adding a touch of bright orange color. One muffin is tilted on its side, showing its golden-brown baked edge beneath the crumb topping. The overall scene is bright and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A quick dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice adds extra sparkle and sweetness, making these muffins feel even more special and irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair these muffins with a creamy cup of vanilla yogurt or a smooth coffee for a balanced breakfast or snack. They also beautifully complement a fresh fruit salad, enhancing the citrus-berry vibe on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin adds a charming touch when entertaining guests or gifting them to loved ones. Try tying a bundle with a ribbon for an adorable, edible gift that’s bound to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful. This way, you can enjoy the Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe fresh without having to bake every day.

Freezing

If you want to make these muffins ahead of time, freeze them by wrapping each muffin individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months, perfect for quick breakfasts or unexpected guests.

Reheating

Warm frozen muffins in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to bring back their tender crumb and zesty aroma. Reheating revives that delightful freshly baked feeling every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work wonderfully and often help keep the muffins moist without altering the flavor. Just be sure not to thaw them fully before folding them into the batter to prevent bleeding colors.

Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Just check that it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the texture you want in your muffins.

Can I add nuts or other fruits to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a fantastic crunchy addition, and dried fruits like raisins or chopped dried apricots can add a different layer of sweetness. Just adjust quantities carefully so the muffins don’t get overloaded.

How can I make a glaze for these Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe?

Mix powdered sugar with a bit of freshly squeezed orange juice until you get a smooth but slightly thick glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled muffins for a shiny, flavorful finish that enhances the citrus notes.

What’s the best way to prevent muffins from drying out?

Don’t overbake your muffins, and store them properly in an airtight container to retain moisture. Adding ingredients like butter and milk also helps keep them tender and soft, as featured in this Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking something that smells incredible, tastes even better, and brings smiles all around. This Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe is a true winner—combining simple ingredients that transform into a bright, delicious treat perfect for sharing or savoring yourself. I’m certain once you try these muffins, they’ll spread happiness on your breakfast table just like they have on mine.