Cranberry Orange Muffins Wellplated Com

When the itch to bake increases near the holidays, it’s tempting to always opt for a sweet or decadent dessert (my Grandma Dorothy’s Orange Cookies with Cranberries are a treasured favorite this time of year). But, we need balance (and breakfast!) too. Boasting traditional festive flavors of cranberry and orange, these muffins bring holiday flavors to healthy snacks or breakfasts.

The Best Cranberry Orange Muffin Recipe

Delicious and Nutritious. Unfortunately, most bakery muffins (like the cranberry orange muffins at Starbucks and Panera) are loaded with ingredients that essentially make them cake. No offense to cake intended, but when I am craving a muffin, I prefer it to be delicious AND nutritious.Wholesome Ingredients. This healthy muffin recipe, made with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry right now, is a standout far and above what you’ll find in a box.Fresh Flavors. The pop of fresh orange zest and honey baked together taste like sunshine bursting on a winter day, as these Orange Muffins with Poppyseed prove.Cranberry! I anxiously await cranberry season each fall because I adore fresh cranberries in baking! There’s something special about taking a fruit that’s fresh and in-season this time of year and making magic.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Muffins from Scratch

I promise these easy cranberry orange muffins will be a delightful baking activity destined to satisfy.

Gingerbread. Deeply spicy Gingerbread Muffins, Gingerbread Pancakes, and Gingerbread Granola add warmth to any morning.Bundt Beauty. This perfectly sweet, moist Cranberry Coffee Cake with almond glaze is ideal for a family gathering.Chocolate Forever. Decadent Chocolate Muffins with a cup of Homemade Hot Chocolate feel extra festive.

I tested several iterations to get them precisely right for you. Some muffin musts:

Moist and Fluffy. It’s the standard for all of my healthy muffins recipes.Healthy. These muffins are sweet enough to balance the tartness of the cranberries, but not too sweet that they lose their appeal as a wholesome breakfast. (For the best of both the cake and muffin world, check out these Carrot Cake Muffins.)Easy. You don’t even need a stand mixer!Substantial without Being Heavy. While these muffins are tender, their texture is still sturdy enough to support the cranberries and stand up to their fresh, bright flavor.

Cranberry orange muffins are simply wonderful to have around. Enjoy them as a care-free snack, grab-n’-go breakfast amidst busy holiday errands, or make them a part of a brunch spread.

The Ingredients

Cranberries. A jewel of holiday baking. I love fresh cranberries here for their extra burst and luster. Milk. You can use any kind you like. If you have some leftover from other holiday baking, you can even make these cranberry orange muffins with buttermilk.Orange Zest + Fresh Orange Juice. These two are the secret to that stellar orange flavor. The zest is combined with sugar to maximize its oomph. Greek Yogurt. Greek yogurt helps make these muffins extra fluffy and moist while keeping them on the healthy side.Butter. It’s better to use butter than oil in muffins for richness. A little goes a long way, and I promise it’s 100% worth it. Flour. All-purpose flour helps keep the muffins light and fluffy, while white whole wheat flour packs an added nutrition punch. Cinnamon. Adds a hint of coziness and spice. Honey. A delicious way to add natural sweetness and a fantastic pair with the orange.Orange Glaze. The finishing touch you don’t want to skip. It looks beautiful and makes the muffins taste extra festive.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Store muffins in a paper towel-lined airtight container at room temperature on counter for up to four days. To Freeze. Freeze muffins in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to three months. Thaw and enjoy as desired. I like to individually wrap the muffins first, so I can use them for quick breakfasts and snacks.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Muffin Pan. A must-have tool for making muffins.Batter Scoop. For even baking and a better rise.Whisk. I love the smaller size of this whisk.Measuring Cups. With these, you can mix and measure in the same cup!