Muffins are a joy to bake, filling the home with warmth and delicious aromas. Cranberry muffins are a personal favorite—perfectly balancing the tartness of cranberries with a subtly sweet and moist muffin base. Whether paired with morning coffee or served as a cozy afternoon treat, these muffins never fail to impress.
Did You Know? Cranberries are rich in vitamins C and E, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your diet. Cranberry muffins are especially popular during the holiday season, with their tart cranberries often paired with orange zest for a refreshing citrus note. Their unique sweet-and-tart flavor combination has made them a beloved treat for generations.
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries (or 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries—see adjustment below)
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
Prepare the Batter:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
Personal Tip: Lightly toast the dried cranberries before adding them to enhance their natural sweetness and texture.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Personal Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of the baking powder for a light and fluffy texture.
In another bowl, beat the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Personal Tip: For a richer muffin, substitute the oil with melted butter.
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the cranberries and orange zest.
Personal Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and tender.
Bake the Muffins:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Personal Tip: Use an ice cream scoop for perfectly portioned muffins.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Personal Tip: Cover cooling muffins with a clean kitchen towel for softer tops.
Serve:
Enjoy warm or at room temperature. These muffins pair wonderfully with butter, honey, or whipped cream.
Using Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried:
Adjust the amount: Use 1 1/2 cups of fresh cranberries, roughly chopped, instead of 1 cup of dried cranberries.
Prepare the cranberries: Toss the chopped fresh cranberries with 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance their tartness.
Instructions adjustment: Fold the sugared fresh cranberries into the batter along with the orange zest, just as you would with dried cranberries.
Personal Tip: Soak fresh cranberries briefly in orange juice to soften their tartness before adding them.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin):
Calories: 210; Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 1.5g; Carbohydrates: 28g; Fiber: 2g; Net Carbohydrates: 26g; Sugars: 15g; Protein: 3g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Bulk Buying: Purchase cranberries and baking staples in bulk to save money. Store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
- Homemade Orange Zest: Use extra oranges for zesting and juicing to reduce waste and add fresh flavor to multiple recipes.
- Dairy Alternatives: Swap dairy milk with long-lasting non-dairy options like almond or oat milk to save money and add versatility to your pantry.
- DIY Muffin Liners: Create your own muffin liners using parchment paper for a rustic look and reduced waste.
- Reusable Tools: Invest in silicone muffin cups to save on disposable liners and reduce your environmental footprint.
- Energy Efficiency: Bake multiple batches to maximize oven use. Freeze extras for a quick, convenient snack later.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Replace oil or butter with applesauce or mashed banana for a healthier and more affordable alternative.
- Flavor Boosters: Experiment with extracts like almond or spices like nutmeg to create new flavor combinations.
- Smart Storage: Freeze muffins individually wrapped in plastic for longer storage and quick reheating options.
- Community Learning: Engage in baking forums to discover cost-saving tips and creative ways to use pantry staples.
Dried Cranberries Are So Popular Now
Dried cranberries are versatile, delicious, and easy to store, making them a pantry essential. They’re perfect for baking, salads, or snacking. Choose unsweetened varieties for a healthier option, or try organic dried cranberries for a more natural product. Always check the ingredients list for added sugars or preservatives. Whether you prefer them sweetened or not, dried cranberries are a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor to your recipes.