Cranberry Orange Muffins with Citrus Glaze are a delightful blend of tart cranberries and bright, zesty orange flavor. Soft, tender muffins are studded with juicy cranberries, while a sweet citrus glaze adds a glossy, tangy finish that enhances the flavor and makes them irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these muffins bring a burst of holiday-inspired flavor to any occasion but are enjoyable year-round.

The combination of tart cranberries and sweet, fragrant orange creates a balanced flavor profile, and the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and elegance. These muffins are light, fluffy, and visually appealing, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a soft, tender texture. The fresh orange zest and juice infuse the muffins with a fragrant, citrusy aroma, while the cranberries provide juicy pops of tartness in every bite.

The citrus glaze adds a touch of sweetness and shine, making these muffins feel special without being complicated to prepare.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

These muffins are a must-try because they are flavorful, festive, and versatile. They combine the best of tart cranberries and zesty orange with a tender, moist muffin base. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, tea time, or as a gift.

The bright flavors and soft texture make them stand out from ordinary muffins, and the citrus glaze elevates them to a bakery-quality treat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

Servings: 12 muffins
Calories per Muffin: ~260 kcal
Course: Breakfast / Snack
Cuisine: American / Bakery-style

Ingredients

Muffins

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Citrus Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, yogurt, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Carefully fold in cranberries. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

Step 6: Bake Muffins
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and optional orange zest until smooth. Adjust consistency with more juice for thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for thicker glaze.

Step 8: Glaze Muffins
Drizzle glaze over the cooled muffins and allow it to set before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare muffin tin.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, yogurt, orange zest, and orange juice.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
5. Fold in cranberries carefully.
6. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled muffins.
10. Allow glaze to set before serving.

How to Serve

Serve muffins slightly warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or fresh fruit. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a light snack.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh orange juice and zest for best flavor.
• Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender texture.
• Check muffins a few minutes before baking ends to prevent over-browning.
• Frozen cranberries can be used but do not thaw them before mixing to prevent bleeding.
• Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Variations

• Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom for extra warmth.
• Mix in 1/2 cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Use lime juice and zest instead of orange for a tart twist.
• Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries in addition to fresh for extra chewiness.

Freezing and Storage

• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and drizzle with glaze before serving.
• Glaze is best made fresh after thawing to maintain its texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Paper liners (optional)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spoon
• Wire cooling rack

FAQ

Q: Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q: Can I skip the glaze?
A: Yes, the muffins are delicious without glaze, though the glaze adds sweetness and shine.

Q: Can I use bottled orange juice?
A: Fresh juice is preferred for better flavor, but bottled juice can be used.

Q: Can I make mini muffins?
A: Yes, adjust baking time to 12-15 minutes for mini muffins.

Q: How do I prevent cranberries from sinking?
A: Toss cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Muffins with Citrus Glaze are bright, flavorful, and tender, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or snack time. The balance of tart cranberries, sweet orange, and soft, fluffy muffins with a tangy glaze makes them a standout recipe. Easy to make, visually appealing, and versatile, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in any household.