These Cranberry Orange Muffins are bursting with fresh citrus flavor and tart cranberries, making them a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack. With a moist, fluffy texture and a hint of sweetness, these muffins pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and are great for meal prep or on-the-go snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Flavorful – A delicious combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange.
Soft and Moist – Perfectly tender with a light, fluffy crumb.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
Customizable – Add nuts, a glaze, or spices for extra flair.

Cranberry Orange Muffins 10 These Cranberry Orange Muffins are bursting with fresh citrus flavor and tart cranberries, making them a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack. With a moist, fluffy texture and a hint of sweetness, these muffins pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and are great for meal prep or on-the-go snacking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Granulated sugar
Salt
Unsalted butter (melted)
Fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries)
Orange zest
Fresh orange juice
Milk (or buttermilk)
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Optional: Powdered sugar and orange juice for glaze

Directions

Preheat Oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry – Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in Cranberries – Gently fold in fresh or dried cranberries.
Fill Muffin Cups – Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling about ¾ full.
Bake – Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Glaze – Let muffins cool before drizzling with optional orange glaze.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Nutty Addition – Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Glazed Muffins – Drizzle with a simple orange glaze for extra sweetness.
Spiced Version – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Dairy-Free Option – Use almond milk and dairy-free butter.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing – Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw and warm before serving.
Reheating – Microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes! If using dried cranberries, soak them in hot water for a few minutes to plump them up.

How do I keep my muffins moist?

Avoid overmixing the batter and use fresh ingredients.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake immediately, but you can refrigerate the batter for a few hours before baking.

What can I use instead of orange juice?

Lemon juice works well for a citrusy alternative.

Can I make mini muffins?

Yes! Reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes.

Should I use muffin liners?

Liners make cleanup easier, but you can also grease the muffin tin.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

How do I get a bakery-style muffin top?

Fill the muffin cups slightly higher and bake at a higher temperature (400°F) for the first 5 minutes.

What pairs well with these muffins?

Enjoy with butter, honey, or a warm cup of tea.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in batches.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Orange Muffins are a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet and tangy baked treat. They’re simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any time of day. Try them out and enjoy homemade muffins that rival any bakery version!