Cranberry Orange Muffins are a delightful treat that brings together the tartness of cranberries and the bright, fresh flavor of oranges. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. They are easy to make and taste delicious!

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a tasty muffin that’s not too sweet, these Cranberry Orange Muffins are a fantastic choice. The bright citrus flavor from the orange zest and juice pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries. Plus, they are great to share with friends and family, or to enjoy all on your own!

How to Make Cranberry Orange Muffins

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
Zest of 1 orange
Juice of 1 orange

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Allow to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Muffins

These muffins are best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain, or spread a little butter on top for an extra treat. They also make a lovely addition to breakfast or brunch!

How to Store Cranberry Orange Muffins

You can store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just let them cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

Tips to Make Cranberry Orange Muffins

Make sure not to overmix the batter; this will help keep the muffins light and fluffy.
You can use dried cranberries if you don’t have fresh, but fresh ones give the best flavor.
Experiment with adding nuts or chocolate chips for a different twist!

Variation (if any)

If you want to switch things up, you can try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also replace cranberries with blueberries or add in a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just fine! Just make sure to chop them up before adding to the batter.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.
What should I do if my muffins are too dry?
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and not to overbake them. You can also try adding a little more milk next time!