Cranberry Orange Muffins

Muffins have long been a beloved staple in the world of baked goods, celebrated for their versatility as a snack, breakfast treat, or even a dessert. Their ability to adapt to various flavor profiles makes them a favorite among home bakers and café-goers alike. Among the myriad of muffin recipes available, the Cranberry Citrus Delight Muffins stand out as a vibrant and refreshing option that perfectly captures the essence of seasonal produce. With the tartness of cranberries and the zesty brightness of citrus, these muffins deliver a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Cranberry Citrus Delight Muffins with this easy-to-follow recipe perfect for any occasion. These delightful muffins combine the tartness of cranberries and the zesty brightness of citrus for a refreshing treat that’s simple to make. Ideal for brunches or cozy breakfasts, they are sure to impress family and friends. Discover the key ingredients and baking techniques to create moist, fluffy muffins packed with flavor. Enjoy the taste of homemade goodness!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 cup buttermilk

⅓ cup vegetable oil

Zest of 1 orange (about 1 tablespoon)

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a muffin tin by placing paper liners in each cup or lightly greasing them with cooking spray for easy removal after baking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure that these dry ingredients are well blended to avoid any clumps.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, crack the large egg and beat it lightly. Then, add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are fully combined and have a uniform consistency.

Combine Mixtures: Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the mixture gently until just combined. It's important not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and will make for lighter muffins.

Fold in Cranberries: Carefully add the roughly chopped cranberries to the batter. Using a folding motion, incorporate them gently, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture without breaking them apart.

Fill Muffin Tins: Using a measuring scoop or spoon, fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with the batter to allow room for rising during baking.

Bake: Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Cool: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them sit in the tin for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them set up a bit. Afterward, transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve: Enjoy these delightful muffins warm or allow them to reach room temperature. They are perfect as is, but can also be enhanced with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 muffins

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the muffins on a beautiful serving platter and consider garnishing with a few extra cranberries or some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.