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Citrus Orange Cranberry Muffins


  • Author: Livia Scott
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Wake up to the fresh flavor of these Citrus Orange Cranberry Muffins—a zesty, sweet-tart combo perfect for busy mornings, brunches, or holiday spreads. With juicy cranberries, fresh orange zest, and a soft, bakery-style crumb, this easy recipe is a hit for anyone craving quick breakfast options, healthy snack ideas, or sweet food ideas for gatherings. One of the best breakfast ideas with a citrus twist, it’s an easy recipe to bake ahead and freeze too!


Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon orange zest

1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional, for topping)


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add orange juice, orange zest, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do not overmix.

6. Fold in the cranberries. If using frozen, do not thaw to prevent color bleeding.

7. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if using.

8. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter to keep the muffins light and fluffy.

Fresh or frozen cranberries work best—no need to thaw frozen ones.

Sprinkle sugar on top for a delicious crunch and bakery-style finish.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: muffins, cranberry muffins, orange muffins, citrus muffins, breakfast muffins, easy muffin recipe