Nothing signals the arrival of the holiday season quite like the fragrance of spices and citrus wafting through your home. Today, we’re bringing you a delightful recipe that perfectly captures the essence of Christmas – Orange Spiced Muffins. These muffins are a delightful blend of warm spices, zesty orange, and a tender crumb that will have your whole family gathering around the kitchen in anticipation. Let’s dive into creating these scrumptious treats that are sure to become a holiday favorite.
Title: Orange Spiced Muffins
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Zest of 1 orange
– 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined. Add the orange zest to the dry ingredients and mix to distribute it evenly.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk the wet ingredients together until well blended.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold the mixture together using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve these Orange Spiced Muffins warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch. Enjoy the cozy aroma and flavor of these delightful treats with your loved ones.
These Orange Spiced Muffins are not only perfect for Christmas morning but also make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and neighbors. The combination of citrusy zest and warm spices will evoke memories of holiday cheer with every bite. Try baking a batch of these muffins and let the sweet aroma fill your home with Christmas magic. Happy baking!
