Imagine waking up on a crisp Christmas morning to the most tantalizing aroma of freshly baked muffins that burst with zesty orange and tart cranberry flavors! These festive muffins are not just a breakfast treat, but a celebration of holiday cheer in every single bite. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or simply indulging in a moment of seasonal bliss, these muffins will transform your ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary experience that captures the essence of Christmas in just 40 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, egg, orange juice, and orange zest until well blended and smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Carefully fold in the fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter equally among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light orange glaze before serving.
Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture - frozen can work, but fresh provides a brighter taste.
- Don't overmix the batter! Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- For extra moisture, ensure your orange juice and zest are fresh and fragrant.
- Check muffins a few minutes early to prevent over-baking - every oven is slightly different.
- Let muffins cool slightly before removing from the tin to help them hold their shape.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle some orange zest or powdered sugar on top before serving.
- These muffins freeze beautifully - store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg
