Name: Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins with Holiday Glow Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup sugar; ⅓ cup melted butter; 2 large eggs; ¾ cup milk; 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

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Introduction

These Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins bring a cheerful holiday glow to your morning table. Bursting with fresh orange zest and tart cranberries, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Easy to make and delightful to eat, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.

The image shows six golden-brown muffins with red berry pieces inside, each topped with a white icing drizzle. They are placed on a copper cooling rack on top of a red cloth decorated with white dots and scattered white chocolate chips. In the foreground to the left, there is a half-cut orange with a bright orange color. Behind the muffins, there is a glass cup filled with dark tea and a white teapot with a dark blue and red plaid pattern. A small clear bowl filled with fresh red cranberries is also visible. The background is a white marbled texture with soft warm string lights giving the scene a cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup sugar
⅓ cup melted butter
2 large eggs
¾ cup milk
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, orange zest, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, and milk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold the mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
Step 5: Fold the cranberries into the batter evenly, distributing them throughout.
Step 6: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
Step 7: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step 8: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
Replace fresh cranberries with dried ones soaked in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up.
Substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus twist.
Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a slightly tangier and fluffier texture.

Storage

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

How to Serve

A round white tray holds seven golden-brown muffins with visible red cranberries and a white sugary drizzle on top. One muffin is cut in half and placed on top, showing a soft, light yellow inside speckled with bright red cranberry pieces. Fresh whole cranberries are scattered around the muffins on the tray. In the background, two whole bright orange tangerines with green leaves sit on a white marbled surface. A blue and white striped cloth is placed underneath the tray, adding a touch of cozy detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Just thaw and drain them before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture.

What can I use if I don’t have orange zest?

If you don’t have orange zest, you can substitute with lemon zest or a small amount of orange extract, but fresh zest provides the best flavor.