Start your Christmas morning with these festive Cranberry Muffins topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel and a bright orange glaze. Bursting with fresh cranberries and a hint of orange zest, these muffins are deliciously moist and have a balance of tart and sweet flavors that pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They’re quick to make, filling your kitchen with the cozy aromas of cinnamon and orange—a delightful way to kick off your holiday morning!
Ingredients
Streusel Topping:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons softened butter or margarine
Muffins:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (whole or coarsely chopped)
Icing:
- 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons orange juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add the softened butter and use a fork or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Prepare the Muffin Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by either lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing each cup.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk, vegetable oil, and grated orange zest. Stir to combine.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, gently mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the cranberries.
- Assemble the Muffins:
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over each muffin.
- Bake the Muffins:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add the Orange Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar with the orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins for a sweet, citrusy finish.
- Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- These muffins are perfect for breakfast or brunch and are a delightful treat for Christmas morning!
Conclusion
These Christmas Morning Cranberry Muffins with their streusel topping and orange glaze bring a bright and festive flavor to your holiday breakfast table. The tart cranberries combined with the sweet glaze and orange zest make each bite refreshing and delicious. Delightfully festive and simple to prepare, these muffins are destined to be a cherished treat on Christmas morning.