Cranberry Orange Christmas Muffins Recipe

Are you ready to add a burst of holiday flavor to your mornings? Christmas Cranberry Orange Muffins are the perfect choice. These moist and flavorful muffins are a delightful treat for your taste buds, combining the tartness of cranberries with the zesty freshness of oranges. In this guide, we’ll take you through the process, from gathering the ingredients to the final step of enjoying these festive muffins. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients You Need

Before we dive into the detailed instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients required for these scrumptious Christmas Cranberry Orange Muffins:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 ¼ cup sugar
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 whole orange, juiced and zested
• ½ cup whole milk, at room temperature (2% works as well)
• 2 cups roughly chopped cranberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready let’s go through the step-by-step process of making these delightful muffins:

1. Prepare the Cranberries

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your muffins will bake evenly.
• If you’re using fresh cranberries, roughly chop them. If you have frozen cranberries, make sure to thaw them first. This step ensures that the cranberries are evenly distributed in the muffin batter.

2. Sift the Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps in achieving a lighter and fluffier texture in your muffins.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, mix the unsalted butter and sugar until creamy and well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, incorporating each one thoroughly. Stir in the orange zest and juice, followed by the whole milk. Mix until all the wet ingredients are well blended.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

5. Fold in the Cranberries

• Gently fold the roughly chopped cranberries into the muffin batter. This step ensures that every bite of your muffin is filled with cranberry goodness.

6. Bake

• Line your muffin tin with paper liners. Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, fill each muffin cup with the batter until they are about two-thirds full.
• Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

7. Cool and Enjoy

• Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your Christmas Cranberry Orange Muffins!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure to thaw them before incorporating them into the batter.
• Can I substitute orange juice and zest with store-bought orange extract? While fresh orange juice and zest provide the best flavor, you can use orange extract as a substitute. However, adjust the quantity carefully as extracts are more concentrated.
• Can I make these muffins ahead of time? Yes, you can make these muffins in advance and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for a few days at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator.
• Can I add nuts or other ingredients to customize these muffins? Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or other mix-ins to personalize your muffins.
• What’s the best way to store these muffins? To keep your muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
• Can I freeze these muffins? Yes, you can freeze these muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

Now that you have the recipe and step-by-step instructions for making Christmas Cranberry Orange Muffins, it’s time to embrace the holiday spirit in your kitchen. These muffins are sure to be a hit with family and friends, and they make a wonderful gift during the festive season. Enjoy the delightful combination of cranberries and orange in every bite, and have a joyous holiday season!