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Welcome to the delightful world of baking, where flavors come together to create mouthwatering treats! Today, we are excited to share a recipe that embodies the essence of comfort and joy: Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins. These muffins are a perfect blend of tart cranberries and bright, fresh orange zest, making them an ideal choice for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack.

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Indulge in the deliciousness of Zesty Cranberry Orange Muffins, a perfect blend of tart cranberries and fresh orange zest. These easy-to-make muffins are ideal for breakfast or a midday treat, filling your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they are not only tasty but also nutritious. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these delightful muffins that will surely brighten your day and satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients
  

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing each cup with cooking spray or butter.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if desired). Use a whisk to blend the dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.

      Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, add the melted butter, freshly squeezed orange juice, egg, and orange zest. Whisk the wet ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

        Combine Mixtures: Pour the bowl containing the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Take care not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter remains a bit lumpy.

          Add Cranberries and Nuts: Carefully fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts (if using) into the batter. The resulting mixture will be thick and slightly irregular in texture.

            Fill Muffin Tins: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each cup of the muffin tin with batter, ensuring they are about ¾ full for optimal rising during baking.

              Bake: Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean.

                Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for approximately 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat!

                  - Prep Time: 15 minutes

                    - Total Time: 35 minutes

                      - Yield: 12 muffins