Cranberry muffins with orange zest are a delightful treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy muffin bursting with the tartness of cranberries and the bright zing of fresh orange zest. game day dip It’s like a cozy hug for your palate, perfect for any morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Whenever I whip up these cranberry muffins, I can’t help but remember the time I brought a batch to my friend’s holiday gathering. The moment they were served, they disappeared faster than you can say “delicious.” Everyone raved about them, and I secretly basked in the glory of being the unofficial muffin queen. These treats are not just a snack; they’re an experience to be savored.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry muffins with orange zest are incredibly easy to make, even for beginners
- The flavor combination is a delightful balance of tart and sweet that pleases everyone
- Their beautiful golden-brown tops will impress anyone who sees them
- Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they fit any occasion seamlessly
I once took these muffins to a potluck, and let me tell you, they were gone before I could even grab one for myself!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving peas side dish recipe.
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All-Purpose Flour: Use fresh flour for the best texture; it forms the muffin’s base and helps achieve that fluffy goodness.
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Granulated Sugar: A must-have for sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your preference for tartness versus sweetness.
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Baking Powder: This is crucial for fluffiness; check the expiration date to ensure it’s still effective.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors; it’s like magic dust for baked goods.
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Fresh Orange Zest: Adds a vibrant citrusy aroma; be sure to use organic oranges if possible for maximum flavor.
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Dried Cranberries: Look for plump ones; they offer bursts of tartness that contrast beautifully with the sweetness.
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Eggs: They bind ingredients together; using room temperature eggs helps blend better into the mixture.
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Milk: Whole milk gives richness; you can substitute with almond or oat milk if you’re dairy-free.
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Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and flavor; let it cool slightly before mixing in.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray. This ensures easy removal once baked.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until combined. The fragrant aroma of orange zest will brighten your kitchen instantly.
In another bowl, beat together eggs and milk until smooth. Slowly pour in melted butter while stirring continuously to prevent cooking the eggs. This creates a lovely creamy texture.
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix—lumps are okay! This will keep your muffins light and airy.
Carefully add dried cranberries to the batter and fold them in gently. Doing this helps distribute them evenly without breaking them apart too much.
Scoop equal amounts of batter into each muffin cup, filling about two-thirds full. This allows room for rising without spilling over like an enthusiastic volcano!
Bake in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now!
Let the muffins cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step prevents sogginess while allowing them to set perfectly.
Enjoy your cranberry muffins with orange zest warm or at room temperature! They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea—perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). layered raspberry dessert.
These cranberry muffins with orange zest are more than just delicious baked goods—they’re little bites of joy that bring people together and create sweet memories! delicious cranberry sauce. refreshing cranberry mojito.
You Must Know
- These cranberry muffins with orange zest are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile
- The burst of citrus elevates the tartness of cranberries, creating a perfect balance
- Plus, they make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery on a rainy day!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and preparing your muffin tin. Mix the dry ingredients first, then combine with the wet ingredients for a smoother batter.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for blueberries or add nuts for crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also enhance the flavor profile if you’re feeling adventurous!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure to use fresh cranberries for the best flavor; frozen ones can be mushy
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your muffins fluffy
- Lastly, let them cool slightly before removing from the tin to prevent sticking!
Sometimes I whip up these cranberry muffins with orange zest when I need a quick pick-me-up. Friends rave about them, and they are perfect for any gathering! For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving cranberry stuffing balls recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for cranberry muffins with orange zest?
Yes, but fresh cranberries provide a better texture and flavor.
How should I store my cranberry muffins with orange zest?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer preservation.
What can I substitute for orange zest in this recipe?
Lemon zest works well as a bright alternative to orange zest in muffins.
Cranberry Muffins with Orange Zest
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 muffins 1x
Description
Cranberry muffins with orange zest are a delightful combination of tart cranberries and vibrant citrus flavor, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. These fluffy treats are simple to make, and their inviting aroma will fill your kitchen as they bake. Enjoy them warm with your favorite beverage or share them at gatherings—they’re sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
- In another bowl, mix eggs and milk until smooth; slowly stir in melted butter.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry mixture until just mixed; fold in cranberries gently.
- Scoop batter into muffin cups until two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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