These cranberry orange muffins are a delightful burst of flavor and color, combining the tartness of cranberries with the bright citrusy zing of fresh oranges. They’re the perfect addition to breakfast, a brunch spread, or a snack anytime you crave something sweet and tangy. Made with simple ingredients, these muffins are easy to whip up and bring a fresh taste to your day. Enjoy them warm with a pat of butter or just as they are for a cozy, seasonal treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease the cups lightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Incorporate the orange zest and mix thoroughly to ensure it’s evenly distributed among the dry ingredients.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Carefully fold the ingredients together until just combined, taking care not to overmix. The batter should retain a slightly lumpy texture.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Distribute Batter into Muffin Cups: Using a spoon, evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each one to about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the muffins sit in the pan for approximately 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. They can be served warm or at room temperature—enjoy!
Conclusion
These cranberry orange muffins are a refreshing, lightly sweet treat with bursts of tart cranberry and citrusy orange in every bite. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or a simple snack, these muffins are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Try them once, and they may just become a new favorite!