Cranberry Orange Muffins

 Hey, breakfast lovers! Today, we’re talking warm, homemade muffins ~ but first, banish that boring little muffin that probably just popped into your head. Cranberry orange muffins pack a tangy punch from fresh cranberries and orange zest and are anything but boring. This mood-lifting recipe is a game-changer, especially if you crave a little excitement in your morning routine.

Love the idea of overnight muffins? Load up your muffin pan the night before and bake them off while you brew your coffee.

INGREDIENTS

zest of 1 orange, peeled with a serrated vegetable pepper (orange part only, try not to get too much of the bitter white pith)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup milk, or half and half

2 large eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

3 Tbsp regular sugar or sparkling sugar, for topping (optional), Find sparkling sugar online here

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 and butter a 12-cup muffin tin, or line with muffin tin liners.

Process the sugar and orange peel in a food processor until the peel has been totally incorproated into the sugar and it is fragrant, pale orange, and moist like brown sugar.

Making orange sugar in a food processor. 

In a large bowl whisk the orange sugar, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract together until well blended. Make sure to break up those eggs.

Making cranberry muffin batter

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and whisk until combined. Small lumps are ok, don't overwork your batter.

Fold in the cranberries.

cranberry muffin batter in a bowl

Divide the batter into the muffin tins, and top with the sparkling sugar. You can bake right away but I find letting the batter rest on the counter for up to an hour results in the highest rise.

cranberry muffin batter in pan

Bake for about 25 minutes until risen and just starting to turn golden on top.

Allow to cool in the muffin tins before removing.

cranberry muffins in a muffin pan 

Muffins are best the same day, but they'll last a day or two more covered on the counter. Bring them back to 'life' by heating for 15-20 seconds in the microwave.

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