Introduction
Looking for a bright and tasty treat that’s super easy to make? These Cranberry Orange Muffins are just what you need! They are soft, fluffy, and full of juicy cranberries and fresh orange flavor. You don’t need any fancy tools or skills to make them—just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time.
These muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. They’re sweet, slightly tart, and smell amazing while baking. If you love fruity flavors, especially the combo of sweet orange and tart cranberry, you’ll definitely love this recipe. Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Cranberry Orange Muffins
Here’s what you need to make Cranberry Orange Muffins:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ½ cup orange juice (fresh is best!)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (grated orange peel)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins:
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, don’t thaw)
Step by Step Process – Cranberry Orange Muffins
Let’s break it down into easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get your muffin pan ready by lining it with paper liners or greasing it with a little oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together using a spoon or spatula. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
Step 5: Add the Cranberries
Now, fold in the cranberries. Be gentle so you don’t squish them too much.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Scoop the batter into your muffin cups, filling each one about ¾ full. You can use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to make it easy.
Step 7: Bake
Put the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, take the muffins out and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then move them to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Muffin) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Vitamin C | 10% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 6% of Daily Value |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes! If you’re using dried cranberries, just use 1 cup and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to make them softer. Then drain and mix into the batter.
Q2: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! These muffins stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q3: What if I don’t have orange zest?
Orange zest adds extra flavor, but if you don’t have it, don’t worry! You can add a little more orange juice or even a drop of orange extract.
Q4: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still taste great.
Q5: Why are my muffins dry or too dense?
That usually happens if you overmix the batter or bake them too long. Mix the batter gently and bake just until done to keep them light and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Muffins are a cheerful, fruity treat that’s both simple and satisfying. With their beautiful color, zesty flavor, and soft texture, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a holiday breakfast, school snack, or just something sweet with your afternoon tea, these muffins are a great choice.
Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is super beginner-friendly. You don’t need any fancy tools—just a bowl, a spoon, and a muffin pan. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm batch of muffins ready to enjoy.
So go ahead—grab some oranges and cranberries, and bake up a batch of these sweet and tangy muffins today. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
