When you think about Christmas morning, what comes to mind? The warmth of family, the sound of joyful laughter, and the delightful smell of something delicious baking in the oven? There’s nothing quite like the magic of waking up to the aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Muffins with Orange Glaze. These muffins are a perfect blend of tart cranberries, a hint of orange, and a sweet streusel topping that will make your holiday breakfast truly unforgettable. Ready to make your Christmas morning even more special? Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe!
Why Cranberry Muffins Are Perfect for Christmas Morning
There’s a reason why these muffins are a holiday favorite. Cranberries are synonymous with Christmas—vibrant red, tart, and bursting with festive cheer. Paired with the citrusy brightness of orange and the crumbly sweetness of streusel, these muffins are like a celebration of holiday flavors in every bite. Plus, they’re quick and easy to prepare, so you can spend more time with loved ones.
Ingredients for Festive Cranberry Muffins
Before we get started, gather everything you’ll need. The ingredients for these muffins are simple yet packed with flavor.
Streusel Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Light brown sugar (packed) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Butter (softened) | 2 tablespoons |
Muffins
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 3/4 cups |
| Sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Baking soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Milk | 2/3 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 1/3 cup |
| Orange zest (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh cranberries (whole or chopped) | 1 cup |
Icing
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Confectioners’ sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Orange juice | 2 1/2 teaspoons |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Streusel Topping
Start by making the streusel topping, which adds a delightful crunch to your muffins. In a small bowl:
- Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add the softened butter and mix with a fork (or your fingers) until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Set aside.
2. Mix the Muffin Batter
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by either greasing it lightly or lining it with paper liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Stir in the milk, vegetable oil, and grated orange zest.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
- Fold in the cranberries carefully to keep them intact.
3. Assemble the Muffins
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping generously over each muffin.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Add the Orange Glaze
Once the muffins have cooled:
- In a small bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the muffins for a glossy, citrusy finish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: If you don’t have fresh cranberries, frozen ones work just as well. Don’t thaw them before folding into the batter.
- Even Baking: Rotate your muffin tin halfway through baking for even browning.
- Streusel Shortcut: If you’re short on time, store-bought streusel or granola can be used as a topping.
Why You’ll Love the Orange Glaze
The orange glaze isn’t just decorative—it’s the perfect finishing touch. The sweetness of the glaze balances the tartness of the cranberries, while the orange juice enhances the citrus notes in the muffins. It’s like a burst of sunshine on a chilly Christmas morning.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature. Pair them with:
- A steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice for a refreshing contrast.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a pat of butter for extra indulgence.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~190 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 12g |
FAQs About Festive Christmas Morning Cranberry Muffins
1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake these muffins a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and add the glaze just before serving.
2. Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh ones?
Yes, you can! If using dried cranberries, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to plump them up before adding to the batter.
3. What if I don’t have orange zest?
No worries—lemon zest or a splash of orange extract will work as substitutes.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate and reheat before serving.
5. Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes! These muffins freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
6. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum for the best results.
Make Your Christmas Morning Extra Special
There’s something magical about starting your Christmas day with these Festive Christmas Morning Cranberry Muffins with Orange Glaze. They’re simple to prepare, bursting with holiday flavors, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the festive baking begin!
Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!
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Festive Christmas Morning Cranberry Muffins with Orange Glaze
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
Description
Wake up to the magic of Christmas morning with these delightful Cranberry Muffins with Orange Glaze. Each bite is bursting with tart cranberries, bright orange zest, and a crumbly streusel topping, perfectly balanced with a sweet citrus glaze. These muffins are easy to make and the perfect way to bring festive cheer to your breakfast table.
Ingredients
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons softened butter or margarine
For the 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)
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons orange juice
Instructions
1. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add the softened butter and mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.
2. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
3. Make the Muffin Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Stir in milk, vegetable oil, and orange zest.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the cranberries.
4. Assemble the Muffins:
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the muffins.
5. 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.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Add the Orange Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the muffins warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a festive snack.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Bake the muffins a day in advance and store in an airtight container. Add the glaze just before serving.
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: You can use either, but if using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly version.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a freshly baked feel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
