Cranberry Orange Muffins: A Deliciously Festive Treat
Are you looking for a delightful treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack? Look no further than these cranberry orange muffins! This recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the zest of oranges, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. These muffins are incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let's dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 12 standard-sized muffins. Adjust quantities as needed.
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Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
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Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (any kind works well)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw frozen cranberries)
Instructions: Making Your Cranberry Orange Muffins
Step 1: Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin well. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your delicious muffins.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. The orange juice and zest add a wonderful burst of citrus flavor.
Step 4: Gentle Mixing:
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps are okay!
Step 5: Add the Cranberries:
Carefully fold in the cranberries. Be gentle to avoid crushing them.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups:
Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. This allows for proper rising during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 8: Cooling and Enjoying:
Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Muffins:
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing leads to tough muffins. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Muffin Liner Alternatives: If you don't have muffin liners, greasing the tin well with butter or nonstick cooking spray works just as well.
- Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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