Cranberry Orange Muffins with Brown Sugar Swirl

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Sarah Bastian (@roamingrecipebox)

Soft, citrusy muffins bursting with cranberries and a buttery cinnamon swirl. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy treat.

Cranberry Orange Muffins with Brown Sugar Swirl recipe
Prep Time
50min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
1hr 10min

Ingredients

18 Servings
(1 serving = 1 muffin)

Cinnamon Swirl

  • unsalted butter
    unsalted butter
    4tbsp
  • brown sugar
    brown sugar
    1/2cup
  • orange zest
    orange zest
    1/2tsp
  • cinnamon
    cinnamon
    1/2tsp

Muffin Batter

  • flour
    flour
    1 3/4cups
  • baking soda
    baking soda
    1tsp
  • baking powder
    baking powder
    1tsp
  • cinnamon
    cinnamon
    1/2tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1/2tsp
  • unsalted butter
    unsalted butter
    8tbsp
  • brown sugar
    brown sugar
    1/3cup
  • granulated sugar
    granulated sugar
    1/4cup
  • orange zest
    orange zest
    2tsp
  • large eggs
    large eggs
    2piece
  • vanilla
    vanilla
    1tsp
  • Greek yogurt
    Greek yogurt
    1/2cup
  • orange juice
    orange juice
    3tbsp
  • milk
    milk
    2/3cup
  • dried cranberries
    dried cranberries
    1cup

How to make Cranberry Orange Muffins with Brown Sugar Swirl

Prep

  1. Step 1

    Soak dried cranberries in room-temperature water for 30 minutes or 15 minutes in warm water. Drain and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners. Note: Will need to make 18 total

Cinnamon Swirl

  1. Step 1

    Melt unsalted butter.

  2. Step 2

    Stir in brown sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon until mostly dissolved. The butter should be warm enough to melt most of the sugar but not too hot.

Muffin Batter

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

  2. Step 2

    In a medium bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.

  3. Step 3

    Mix in orange zest, eggs, vanilla, and Greek yogurt one at a time. Ensuring that each ingredient is mixed fully before adding the next.

  4. Step 4

    Alternate adding dry ingredients and wet ingredients (orange juice and milk), mixing until just combined.

  5. Step 5

    Gently fold in cranberries.

Assemble & Bake

  1. Step 1

    Fill each muffin cup two-thirds full with batter.

  2. Step 2

    Spoon a little swirl mixture over each, then use a knife or toothpick to swirl it in.

  3. Step 3

    Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

147.1kcal (7.36%)

Protein

2.0g (4%)

Carbs

21.8g (7.92%)

Sugars

9.7g (19.34%)

Healthy Fat

2.0g

Unhealthy Fat

4.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the butter for the cinnamon swirl is warm enough to melt most of the sugar but not too hot.

  2. When combining wet and dry ingredients into the butter ingredients, only mix until just combined, do not overmix

FAQS

  1. How can I make Cranberry Orange Swirl Muffins gluten-free?

    To make Cranberry Orange Swirl Muffins gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the texture. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, like baking powder and baking soda, are gluten-free.

  2. What are some good substitutions for Greek yogurt in this muffin recipe?

    If you don't have Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with regular yogurt, sour cream, or even applesauce for a dairy-free option. Each of these alternatives will maintain moisture in the muffins while slightly altering the flavor.

  3. How should I store leftover Cranberry Orange Swirl Muffins?

    To store leftover Cranberry Orange Swirl Muffins, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by wrapping each muffin in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

  4. What can I pair with Cranberry Orange Swirl Muffins for a complete breakfast?

    Cranberry Orange Swirl Muffins pair wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced oranges or berries, and a protein source like scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt. A warm cup of coffee or tea complements these muffins perfectly for a cozy breakfast.

  5. What is the best way to ensure my muffins rise properly while baking?

    To ensure your Cranberry Orange Swirl Muffins rise properly, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as expired leavening agents can affect the rise. Also, avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, as this can lead to dense muffins. Fill the muffin cups only two-thirds full to allow room for rising.

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Sarah Bastian

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A cozy kitchen tucked at the edge of adventure. The Roaming Recipe Box wanders through comfort and curiosity, one bite at a time—sharing hearty favorites,...

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