‘Tis the season to indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of the holidays. What better way to embrace the festive spirit than by baking a batch of Spiced Cranberry Orange Holiday Muffins? These delightful treats are not only easy to make but also fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast option or a homemade gift to share, these muffins are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Let’s unwrap the recipe for these scrumptious Christmas goodies!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Zest of 1/2 orange
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cup lightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Fold in the chopped cranberries gently.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the muffins are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Muffins: Once the muffins are out of the oven and have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the glaze over the tops. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: These Spiced Cranberry Orange Holiday Muffins are best enjoyed warm, accompanied by a cup of your favorite festive beverage. Share with friends and family or savor them as a delightful treat during quiet holiday moments.
Baking these Spiced Cranberry Orange Holiday Muffins is a delightful way to infuse your home with the essence of Christmas. With the perfect balance of tart cranberries, warm spices, and citrusy zest, these muffins are a festive addition to any holiday gathering. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and embark on a delicious journey that captures the spirit of the season in every bite. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Looking for more holiday dessert ideas? Check out our super delicious Parfait dessert! Elevate Your Mornings with a Nutrient-Rich Greek Yogurt Parfait
It is common belief that desserts are bad for our health. But do you know that eating desserts is actually good for you? Find out why! Can Eating Dessert Really Help You Relax? Science Says Yes
Spiced Cranberry Orange Holiday Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries coarsely chopped
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- Zest of 1/2 orange
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease each cup lightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Fold in the chopped cranberries gently.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the muffins are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Muffins: Once the muffins are out of the oven and have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the glaze over the tops. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy! These Spiced Cranberry Orange Holiday Muffins are best enjoyed warm, accompanied by a cup of your favorite festive beverage. Share with friends and family or savor them as a delightful treat during quiet holiday moments.
