Holiday Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe

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These Holiday Cranberry Orange Muffins are the perfect festive treat for breakfast, brunch, or a holiday snack.

Bursting with tart cranberries, bright orange zest, and a tender, buttery crumb, these muffins are full of seasonal flavor.

They’re simple to make, beautifully golden, and ideal for gifting, brunch spreads, or enjoying with a cup of coffee by the fireplace.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive flavors: Cranberries and orange bring a bright, holiday vibe.

  • Moist and tender: Soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.

  • Quick and easy: Perfect for holiday baking without stress.

  • Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or gifting in holiday tins.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

  • 1 large egg

  • ¾ cup milk

  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Zest of 1 large orange

  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)

  • Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease generously.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

  • In another bowl, whisk together egg, milk, oil (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  • Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

  • Gently fold in the cranberries—avoid overmixing to keep muffins tender.

5. Fill Muffin Tin

  • Divide batter evenly among 12 muffin cups.

  • Optional: sprinkle extra sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy topping.

6. Bake

  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • Allow muffins to cool for 5–10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

7. Optional Glaze

  • Mix powdered sugar and orange juice to make a simple glaze.

  • Drizzle over cooled muffins for extra sweetness and a festive touch.

⭐ Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Muffins

  • Use fresh or frozen cranberries: Frozen cranberries work well; just fold them in frozen to avoid bleeding.

  • Don’t overmix: Overmixing makes muffins dense. Stir until just combined.

  • Add texture: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

  • Flavor boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.

🎄 Variations

  • Mini muffins: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats.

  • Chocolate cranberry: Add ½ cup white or dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

  • Gluten-free: Substitute 2 cups gluten-free flour blend.

  • Citrus combo: Add a little lemon zest along with the orange for extra brightness.

Storage

  • Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

  • Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for 2–3 months.

  • Reheat in the microwave or oven for a few seconds for a fresh-baked taste.

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