Nothing quite spells comfort like the warm aroma of freshly baked muffins wafting through your kitchen. Today, we invite you to try our delightful recipe for Spiced Cranberry Muffins. These muffins are a perfect blend of tart cranberries and cozy spices, making them an ideal treat for a leisurely breakfast, a quick snack, or even a sweet companion to your afternoon tea or coffee.
**Spiced Cranberry Muffins**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease them for easy removal later on.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well-combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The bursts of tartness from the cranberries will be a delightful surprise in every bite.
6. Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
7. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve these Spiced Cranberry Muffins warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for enjoying on a cozy morning with a cup of your favorite beverage or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
10. These muffins also freeze well, allowing you to enjoy them later. Simply freeze the cooled muffins in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and then thaw them at room temperature or gently reheat them in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.
11. Feel free to customize these muffins by adding a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top before baking for a delightful crunch or by incorporating chopped nuts for added texture.
With their charming blend of seasonal flavors and comforting aroma, these Spiced Cranberry Muffins are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. We hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones. Happy baking!
