Cranberry Orange Muffins

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Are you ready to brighten your day with a burst of flavor? These Cranberry Orange Muffins are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make! The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Whether you’re making them for a cozy Sunday brunch or just to enjoy throughout the week, these muffins are sure to become a favorite.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This muffin recipe is a beautiful blend of seasonal ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for any time of the year.

The fresh cranberries add a pop of color and a tart flavor, while the orange zest brings a refreshing brightness.

Not only are these muffins delicious, but they’re also moist and fluffy, thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt and butter.

Plus, they freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to whip up these delightful muffins:

• 2 cups (225 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried
• 2 ¼ cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

How To Make Cranberry Orange Muffins

Making these muffins is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

While your oven is heating up, you can prepare your muffin tin.

Line it with paper liners or grease it with a little butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Whisk these ingredients together until they are well mixed.

This step is essential as it ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar.

Use an electric mixer or a whisk and mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

The key here is to really incorporate air into the mixture, which helps make the muffins light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, orange zest, Greek yogurt, milk, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture.

Mix until everything is well combined.

The Greek yogurt will add moisture and a slight tang, making these muffins even more delicious!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.

Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if you have a few lumps.

Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin

Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, distribute the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each one about ¾ full.

This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Keep an eye on them towards the end; oven temperatures can vary.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once done, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to achieve the best texture in your muffins.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
• Don’t skip the orange zest; it elevates the muffins to a whole new level!
• If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them. Just fold them straight into the batter.

Variations and Customizations

• For a twist, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch.
• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a healthier option.
• For a sweeter muffin, add chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
• Swap out half of the Greek yogurt for applesauce if you want to reduce the fat content.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.

Place the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, and they’ll taste freshly baked!

FAQ

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Dried cranberries will give a different texture and sweetness, but they work well in muffins too.

Just chop them a bit before adding.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Make sure to check the blend for a binding agent.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin.

If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, they are done!

Can I make a large batch of these muffins?

Yes! This recipe can be easily doubled if you want to make more muffins to share or freeze.

Just remember to fill each muffin tin only ¾ full to allow for rising.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Muffins are not just a treat; they are an experience.

The colorful cranberries and zesty orange flavor make them a delicious addition to your recipe collection.

Perfect for any occasion, these muffins will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly and your taste buds dancing.

So go ahead, whip up a batch of these delightful muffins, and be prepared for compliments all around! Enjoy!

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