Holiday Recipe: Spiced Cranberry Orange Muffins

The holiday season is a time for cozy flavors and comforting treats, and these Spiced Cranberry Orange Muffins are perfect for the occasion. We absolutely love these muffins, they are packed with tart cranberries, a hint of orange zest, and a warm cinnamon streusel topping. These muffins bring the essence of the holidays to our kitchen and hopefully yours. They’re easy to whip up and make a festive addition to breakfast, brunch, or even as a holiday gift.

Ingredients

Muffins

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)

• 1 large egg

• Zest of 1 orange

Cinnamon Streusel Topping

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.

2. Prepare the cinnamon streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, and orange zest. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

5. Add the cranberries: Gently fold the chopped cranberries into the wet mixture.

6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; a few lumps are fine.

7. Scoop batter into muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping generously over each muffin.

8. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Spiced Cranberry Orange Muffins warm or at room temperature. They’re delightful with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and they make a wonderful holiday breakfast treat or snack for cozy winter days.

Storage Tips

Store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

Perfect for Gifting

If you’re looking for a festive homemade gift, wrap a few of these muffins in a decorative box or basket. They’re a delicious way to share some holiday cheer with friends and family!