Cranberry Orange Muffins

Why Cranberry Orange Muffins are a Great Idea

Cranberry Orange Muffins are a great idea because they are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The combination of tangy cranberries and sweet orange is sure to please your taste buds! Muffins are also a great option for busy mornings when you don’t have time to sit down for a full breakfast. You can grab a muffin and go, or pack one in your lunchbox for later.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your muffin tin with muffin cups.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and then whisk in the milk, egg, and orange zest.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the cranberries.
5. Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

Vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins

To make vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins, you can replace the milk with almond milk or soy milk, and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water). You can also replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Muffins

To make gluten-free Cranberry Orange Muffins, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum, which helps to bind the muffins together.

Streusel Topping

For an extra crunchy and sweet topping, mix together 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the muffins before baking.

Lemon Cranberry Muffins

For a variation on the recipe, you can replace the orange zest with lemon zest and the cranberries with blueberries. This will give the muffins a tangy lemon flavor and a burst of blueberry sweetness.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Orange Muffins are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The combination of tangy cranberries and sweet orange is sure to please your taste buds! You can also try some of the variations suggested in this post to mix things up. Enjoy!

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones for making cranberry orange muffins?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the batter.

Can I substitute orange juice with orange extract?

No, you cannot substitute orange juice with orange extract because the juice gives the muffins its liquid content and flavor.

How do I store cranberry orange muffins?

You can store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I add nuts to the muffin batter?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for some added texture and crunch.

How can I make these muffins gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour in the recipe to make these muffins gluten-free.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones, but the muffins may turn out a bit sweeter.

Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use other types of flour like whole wheat flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, but the texture and taste of the muffins may differ.

How can I make these muffins vegan?

You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a non-dairy milk like almond milk to make these muffins vegan.

How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the muffins?

You can toss the cranberries in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these muffins ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.