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A basket of freshly baked cranberry orange muffins, beautifully arranged with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for Christmas.

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Kenshah K.
These bakery-style muffins combine tart cranberries and bright orange zest for a soft, fluffy, and flavor-packed holiday treat. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, they’re quick to make and freezer-friendly — perfect for busy festive mornings.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Muffins
Calories 155 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup 115 g unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup 120 ml milk (room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 100–120 g fresh cranberries, halved (or see note for dried)
  • Zest of 1 large orange about 1 tbsp
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice optional, for extra flavor
  • 2 tbsp coarse sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat oven & prepare pan

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.
    A basket of freshly baked cranberry orange muffins, beautifully arranged with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for Christmas.

Mix dry ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
    A basket of freshly baked cranberry orange muffins, beautifully arranged with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for Christmas.

Cream butter & sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
    A basket of freshly baked cranberry orange muffins, beautifully arranged with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for Christmas.

Add wet ingredients

  • Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest (and juice if using) until combined.
    A basket of freshly baked cranberry orange muffins, beautifully arranged with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for Christmas.

Combine & fold

  • Add dry ingredients to wet mixture in two additions, mixing gently after each. Fold in cranberries just until evenly distributed — do not overmix to avoid dense muffins.
    A basket of freshly baked cranberry orange muffins, beautifully arranged with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for Christmas.

Fill & top

  • Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about ¾ full). Sprinkle tops with coarse sugar for a crisp, bakery-style crust.
    A basket of freshly baked cranberry orange muffins, beautifully arranged with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for Christmas.

Bake

  • Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    A basket of freshly baked cranberry orange muffins, beautifully arranged with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for Christmas.

Cool & serve

  • Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
    A basket of freshly baked cranberry orange muffins, beautifully arranged with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for Christmas.

Notes

Fresh vs. dried cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a tart burst. For dried, use ¾ cup and soak in hot water or orange juice for 10 minutes to plump.
Texture tip: Room-temperature eggs and milk help create a tender crumb.
Orange flavor boost: Replace some milk with fresh orange juice or add ½ tsp orange extract for a stronger citrus profile.
Make-ahead: Muffins can be baked, cooled completely, and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.