These Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor and tangy cranberries. With their warm aroma and golden tops, they feel festive enough for the holidays yet simple enough for everyday mornings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These muffins are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and come together quickly. The combination of fresh orange zest and cranberries creates a balanced sweet-tart flavor that feels fresh and comforting at the same time. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a make-ahead snack, and they freeze beautifully for busy days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups
Granulated sugar – ¾ cup
Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
Salt – ½ teaspoon
Fresh orange zest – 2 tablespoons
Fresh orange juice – ¾ cup
Milk – ½ cup
Vegetable oil – ½ cup
Large eggs – 2
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Fresh or frozen cranberries – 1 ½ cups
Optional coarse sugar for topping – 2 tablespoons
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the orange juice, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Fold in the cranberries evenly throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar if using.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 standard-sized muffins.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: approximately 35 minutes
Variations
You can substitute dried cranberries for fresh ones; use 1 cup and reduce the sugar by 2 tablespoons. Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced note. For extra texture, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds. You can also replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier muffin.
Storage/Reheating
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap each muffin individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat at room temperature, in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or in a warm oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely. These muffins are great for meal prep and taste just as good the next day.
Can I use only milk instead of orange juice?
You can, but the orange juice adds key flavor. If replacing it, consider adding extra zest.
How do I keep muffins soft?
Avoid overmixing the batter and store the muffins in an airtight container once cooled.
Can I make mini muffins?
Yes, reduce the baking time to about 10 to 12 minutes and keep an eye on them.
What type of orange is best?
Navel or Valencia oranges work best for both juice and zest.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar to ⅔ cup, though the muffins will be slightly less sweet.
Why did my muffins turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter is the most common cause of dense muffins.
Can I add a glaze on top?
Yes, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice pairs beautifully.
Are these muffins suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they’re balanced, filling, and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins with Holiday Glow are a delicious way to bring brightness and warmth to your mornings. With their tender crumb, vibrant flavor, and simple preparation, they’re a recipe you’ll return to again and again, especially during the festive season.
