Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins with Holiday Glow

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Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins with Holiday Glow are everything I crave on a crisp morning—soft and tender with bursts of tart cranberry and a bright orange zing that instantly wakes up the senses. They feel festive without being fussy, comforting without being heavy, and just sweet enough to make breakfast feel like a treat.

I started baking these when the days grew shorter and the mornings colder, and now they’ve become a seasonal ritual. One batch in the oven, and the house fills with the scent of citrus, butter, and warmth—the kind of aroma that pulls everyone into the kitchen asking for “just one more.”

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What Are Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins?

These are classic bakery-style breakfast muffins made with fresh orange zest, real orange juice, and juicy cranberries. Light, fluffy, and beautifully balanced between sweet and tangy, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, fresh citrus flavor

  • Tart cranberries in every bite

  • Soft, moist, tender crumb

  • Festive yet simple

  • Perfect for holidays and meal prep

  • Freezer-friendly

  • Kid- and guest-approved

What Do They Taste Like?

Imagine a tender vanilla muffin infused with fragrant orange zest, dotted with juicy cranberries that gently burst as you bite into them. They’re lightly sweet, fresh, and incredibly comforting—ideal with a cup of coffee or tea.

Seasonal & Nutritional Notes

  • Cranberries provide antioxidants and natural tartness

  • Orange zest adds brightness without extra sugar

  • A lighter breakfast option that still feels indulgent

  • Ideal for fall and winter baking

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup fresh orange juice

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped if large)

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls

  • Whisk

  • Muffin tin

  • Paper liners

  • Microplane or zester

Substitutions & Add-Ins

  • Use dried cranberries (soak in warm orange juice first)

  • Swap milk for almond or oat milk

  • Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for bakery-style muffins

  • Add a light orange glaze for extra sweetness

How to Make Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins with Holiday Glow

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and orange zest. Rubbing the zest into the sugar releases its fragrant oils.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, orange juice, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Combine

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix—a few streaks are perfectly fine.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in cranberries, distributing them evenly through the batter.

Step 6: Bake

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Muffins

  • Hot coffee or tea

  • Greek yogurt with honey

  • Fresh fruit

  • Perfect addition to a holiday brunch spread

Tips for Perfect Muffins

  • Do not overmix the batter

  • Use fresh orange zest only (not bottled)

  • Toss cranberries lightly in flour to prevent sinking

  • Bake just until golden for the softest texture

Storage Instructions

  • Room temperature: up to 2 days

  • Refrigerator: up to 5 days

  • Freezer: up to 2 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes. Soak them in warm orange juice for 10 minutes first.

Can I make mini muffins?
Absolutely—bake for 10–12 minutes.

Can I glaze these muffins?
Yes! A simple powdered sugar and orange juice glaze is delicious.

Are these overly sweet?
No—they’re perfectly balanced and breakfast-friendly.

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin – Approximate)

  • Calories: 230

  • Fat: 10g

  • Carbohydrates: 32g

  • Sugar: 16g

  • Protein: 4 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Sodium: 190mg

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins with Holiday Glow are cheerful, cozy, and endlessly bakeable. They’re the kind of muffins that brighten mornings and warm holiday tables—simple, joyful, and full of citrus-kissed comfort.

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