Nothing says Christmas like the delightful aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the house. Candied cranberries and zestful orange combine to create the perfect festive flavor profile in these Cranberry Orange Muffins. Whether enjoyed for breakfast on Christmas morning or as a sweet snack during a cozy winter evening, these muffins are sure to bring a touch of holiday cheer to your home.
**Cranberry Orange Muffins**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
4. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
5. Gently fold in the cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each muffin cup about two-thirds full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve the Cranberry Orange Muffins warm with a cup of hot tea or cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.
These Cranberry Orange Muffins are the perfect balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange, making them a delightful addition to your Christmas baking repertoire. Enjoy the warm flavors of the season with each bite of these moist and flavorful muffins. Share them with loved ones or savor them for yourself as you bask in the glow of holiday lights and the joy of the festive season. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
