Cranberry Orange Muffins

These Cranberry Orange Muffins are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making them a delightful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The muffins are soft and tender, bursting with juicy cranberries and the zesty flavor of fresh oranges. A hint of vanilla adds warmth, while the orange glaze drizzled on top provides a citrusy sweetness that complements the tart cranberries perfectly. These muffins are not only easy to make, but they also bring a vibrant touch of color and flavor to your table, making them a festive choice for holiday gatherings or a cozy addition to a fall morning.

Ingredients:

• For the Muffins:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped if large)
• For the Orange Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients by pouring the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the orange glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins.
9. Serve and enjoy these delightful Cranberry Orange Muffins with a warm cup of coffee or tea!

These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—simply thaw and reheat before serving.