Description
The Christmas Spiced Cranberry Orange Muffins are a festive, flavorful baked good that combines the tang of fresh cranberries with the bright, citrusy notes of orange. What makes these muffins truly special are the warm, spiced undertones of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—just the kind of spices that get you into the holiday spirit. Whether served at breakfast, brunch, or as a part of your holiday spread, these muffins are bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the muffin, ensuring a fluffy, soft texture.
1 cup sugar (or ¾ cup for a less sweet version) – Sweetens the batter just right.
2 tsp baking powder – Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy.
½ tsp baking soda – Works with the buttermilk to give the muffins their lift.
½ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness of the batter.
1 tsp cinnamon – Adds a warm, comforting spice flavor.
½ tsp nutmeg – Offers an earthy, nutty fragrance that’s perfect for the holiday season.
¼ tsp ginger (optional) – A slight heat from the ginger complements the other spices.
Zest of 1 orange – Brightens up the flavor and adds a zesty kick.
2 eggs – Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
½ cup melted butter (or oil) – Makes the muffins rich and moist.
¾ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar) – Gives a tender crumb and enhances the flavor.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor profile.
1 ¼ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped) – The star ingredient, providing a tart burst of flavor.
For the Topping (optional but festive):
Coarse sugar or streusel – Adds crunch and a touch of sweetness on top.
Simple orange glaze (powdered sugar + orange juice) – Drizzle this over the muffins for a burst of citrus sweetness.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin by greasing or lining it with muffin papers.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional ginger. Add in the orange zest and mix well.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk (or milk and vinegar), and vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins tough.
Add Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries. If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first, but be sure to chop them if they’re large.
Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
Add Topping (Optional): If you’re using a topping, sprinkle coarse sugar or streusel on top of the muffins before baking.
Bake the Muffins: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Glaze (Optional): Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you’re using the orange glaze, drizzle it over the cooled muffins for a festive touch.
Notes
These Christmas muffins pair beautifully with your favorite holiday drinks like hot cocoa, spiced latte, or eggnog! Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for extra festive charm. Perfect for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings! ☕✨
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 230
Keywords: Holiday cranberry muffins, Christmas muffin recipe, spiced orange muffins, cranberry orange muffins