Cranberry Orange Muffins

Freshly baked Cranberry Orange Muffins on a wooden serving platter.

Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel

Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel are the perfect treat to brighten your day! These delightful muffins combine the tartness of fresh cranberries with the refreshing zing of orange zest, all topped with a buttery streusel that adds a wonderful crunch. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them at brunch, these muffins will surely impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Whip up these muffins in just 30 minutes!
  • Simple Ingredients: You likely have most ingredients at home already.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, snacks, or gatherings.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will love the sweet and tangy flavors!
  • Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of cranberries and orange is a delightful surprise.

This recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of sweet and tart, plus the added crunch from the streusel topping makes each bite irresistible. These muffins will leave you feeling satisfied and wanting more!

Ingredients Needed

  • For the Muffins Base:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 2 large eggs
    • ½ cup milk
    • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
    • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • For the Streusel Topping:
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

How to Make Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, milk, and orange zest until fully blended.

  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

  5. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the cranberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

  6. Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.

  7. Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and flour for the streusel. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.

  8. Sprinkle Streusel: Generously sprinkle the streusel mixture over the muffin batter in each cup.

  9. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  10. Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve these muffins warm, fresh out of the oven, or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. For storage, keep the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Reheat them briefly in the microwave to revive their softness before serving.

Helpful Notes

  • Substitutions: You can swap cranberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor.
  • Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition to the batter for extra crunch.
  • Orange Flavor: For a stronger orange flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the wet ingredients.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel are an absolute must-try! Their delicious blend of sweet and tart flavors, combined with the crunchy topping, makes them a favorite for many. So next time you need a quick and satisfying treat, whip up a batch of these muffins. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! Share your thoughts on social media, and let us know if you tried any unique variations!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly! Just make sure to add them directly to the batter without thawing for best results.

How do I make these muffins gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze these muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Leave a Comment