There’s something irresistible about the combination of tart cranberries and sweet, zesty oranges. When baked together into soft, fluffy muffins, they create the ultimate balance of flavors — sweet, tangy, and citrusy all at once. Cranberry Orange Muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a midday snack with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
Fresh Flavor Explosion: The cranberries add a tangy burst, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of oranges.
Moist & Fluffy: With just the right balance of tender crumb and juicy bites.
Easy to Make: A simple batter with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Perfect Anytime: Great for holidays, breakfast on the go, or freezing for later.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
2 large eggs
3/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, orange juice, zest, and vanilla.
Combine: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined (do not overmix).
Add Cranberries: Fold in cranberries, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.
Bake: Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Enjoy: Let muffins cool slightly before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
Extra Sweetness: Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
Glaze It: Drizzle with a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar + orange juice) for a bakery-style touch.
Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Holiday Flair: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive flavor.
Storage & Freezing
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months — just thaw and reheat before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Serve them at brunch gatherings, pack them into lunchboxes, or keep a batch ready for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Muffins bring brightness and cheer to any day. With their fluffy texture, zesty citrus flavor, and bursts of tart cranberry, they’re a crowd-pleasing bake that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or frozen for later, these muffins are bound to become a household favorite.