Cranberry Orange Muffins: Tantalizing cranberry-orange flavor in every bite! Perfect for any occasion. #cranberrymuffins #orangemuffins #bakedgoodsRecipe
Cranberry orange muffins are a delightful combination of tangy and sweet, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking to bake something special or want to impress guests, these muffins are sure to be a hit! Follow the detailed steps below to create your own batch.
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### Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 medium orange)
- 2 teaspoons grated orange peel
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
#### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Baking paper liners for muffins
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### Step-by-Step Guide
#### Preheat the Oven
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that everything bakes evenly.
#### Prepare the Muffin Tin
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with baking paper liners. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
#### Mix Wet Ingredients
3. In a large mixing bowl, **whisk together** the softened butter and sugars until creamy. Add in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
4. Stir in the orange zest and grated peel to infuse the mixture with citrus flavor.
#### Combine Dry Ingredients
5. In a separate small mixing bowl, **combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder**. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they are well mixed.
#### Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
6. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. Fold in the cranberries gently with a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to break them.
#### Add Lemon Juice
8. Stir in the lemon juice to give your muffins an extra tangy flavor. Ensure it’s evenly distributed.
#### Fill Muffin Tins
9. Using a measuring cup or ice cream scoop, **divide the batter** evenly among the muffin liners.
10. If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra cranberry on top of each muffin for added texture and appearance.
#### Bake the Muffins
11. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
#### Let Them Cool
12. Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
### Serving Suggestions
Serve these cranberry orange muffins warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a cup of tea. They also make excellent gifts, as they are both festive and delicious!
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By following these steps, you'll be able to create a batch of yummy cranberry orange muffins that everyone will love! Enjoy baking and happy cooking!