The Best Orange Cranberry Muffins Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to a festive and delicious baking session perfect for the holiday season! Today's recipe is for Cranberry Orange Jumbo Muffins, complete with a delightful streusel topping and a zesty orange glaze. These muffins boast a fluffy and moist texture, brimming with fresh cranberries and abundant orange zest, ideal for a cozy Christmas morning accompanied by your favorite hot beverage. Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they're also simple to make, promising to fill your kitchen with holiday cheer in just about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Zest of 2 large oranges
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 cup melted unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream or thick Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups white granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups fresh cranberries (halved or whole)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cold butter
• 1 tablespoon cream

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 3 to 4 tablespoons cream or half-and-half

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and orange zest in a large bowl.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the orange juice, melted butter, vanilla extract, sour cream, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in Cranberries: Gently mix in the cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Prepare Muffin Tins: Line your muffin tins with paper liners and fill each cup 3/4 full with the batter.
7. Make Streusel Topping: Mix flour, sugar, and cold butter with a pastry blender or forks until crumbly. Stir in the cream, then sprinkle over the top of each muffin batter.
8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 26-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Prepare Orange Glaze: While muffins are baking, mix powdered sugar, orange zest, and cream to your desired consistency. Drizzle over the warm muffins.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Orange Jumbo Muffins are a dream come true for the holiday season, combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweet and zesty flavor of oranges. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, while the orange glaze brings an extra burst of citrusy sweetness, making these muffins an irresistible treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these muffins are sure to become a festive favorite in your home. Enjoy the baking and the wonderful aromas that will fill your kitchen, and have a joyful holiday season!