Cranberry Orange Moist Muffins (Printer-Friendly)

Soft muffins with cranberries and orange glaze, perfect for seasonal breakfasts or snacks.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
08 - 1 cup sour cream
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 - 1 tablespoon orange zest
11 - 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

→ Cranberries

12 - 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

→ Glaze

13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 2 tablespoons orange juice
15 - 1 teaspoon orange zest

# Method:

01 - Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
02 - Sift flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, sour cream, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until fully combined.
04 - Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
05 - Carefully fold the cranberries into the batter, distributing evenly.
06 - Divide the batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cool.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth.
09 - Spoon glaze over cooled muffins and let set before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Simple mixing method using bowls and a whisk only
  • Fresh orange juice and zest create a real citrus flavor
  • Cranberries add a tart pop that wakes up your taste buds
  • Great for make-ahead snacking or brunch sharing
02 -
  • High in vitamin C thanks to all that real orange
  • Cranberries offer antioxidants and a color boost
  • Perfect for freezing and reheating as needed
  • Orange zest is my secret star here I once let my niece help with zesting and the whole kitchen smelled like sunshine We now call these Happy Day Muffins and bake them for birthday breakfasts
03 -
  • Always zest before you juice your oranges or you will struggle Later I realized folding the cranberries gently keeps them from bleeding color throughout the batter
  • A light hand makes the crumb perfect If you do not have liners use parchment squares for charming rustic tops The scent of these muffins baking is almost as lovely as the taste
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