Quick Festive Cranberry Orange

Featured in: Warm Breakfast Recipes

These muffins combine fresh cranberries and bright orange zest for a moist, fluffy texture that’s perfect any festive occasion. Incorporating buttermilk adds tenderness, while optional nuts and coarse sugar topping provide delightful texture contrast. Quick to prepare and bake, they bring a balance of tartness and sweetness ideal for breakfast or a snack. Variations like yogurt substitutes and glaze options offer versatility for different preferences.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:27:00 GMT
Warm, golden Quick Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins with sugared tops, fresh from the oven, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Warm, golden Quick Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins with sugared tops, fresh from the oven, ready to enjoy. | savoringli.com

Moist, fluffy muffins bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange—perfect for holiday breakfasts or snacks.

I have found these muffins bring a festive touch to any morning, making holiday gatherings even more special.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice), Zest of 1 large orange, 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Add-ins: 1 1/4 cups (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large), 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • Topping (optional): 2 tbsp coarse sugar, 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3:
In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, buttermilk, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until well combined.
Step 4:
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined do not overmix.
Step 5:
Fold in cranberries and nuts (if using).
Step 6:
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and extra orange zest if desired.
Step 7:
Bake 18–20 minutes or until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8:
Cool in pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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| savoringli.com

My family loves gathering around to enjoy these muffins warm fresh from the oven especially during holiday mornings.

Notes

For a glaze mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp orange juice and drizzle on cooled muffins. Pair with a light breakfast tea or sparkling wine for a festive touch.

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs wheat (gluten) tree nuts (if added) dairy (buttermilk). For nut-free omit nuts For dairy-free use plant-based milk and add 1 tsp lemon juice.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 215 Total Fat: 9 g Carbohydrates: 31 g Protein: 3 g per muffin

Close-up of fluffy Quick Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins, showcasing tart cranberries and zesty orange for a bright burst. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of fluffy Quick Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins, showcasing tart cranberries and zesty orange for a bright burst. | savoringli.com

These muffins are simple yet impressive, perfect to share anytime you want a taste of the holidays.

Quick Festive Cranberry Orange

Fluffy muffins bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange, ideal for festive mornings or snacks.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by savoringli Lila Anderson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 12 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 2 large eggs
02 1/2 cup vegetable oil
03 3/4 cup buttermilk or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice
04 Zest of 1 large orange
05 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

01 1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved if large
02 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Topping (optional)

01 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
02 1 teaspoon orange zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Prepare oven and muffin tin: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 04

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Incorporate add-ins: Fold in cranberries and nuts if using, ensuring even distribution.

Step 06

Fill muffin cups and add toppings: Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar and additional orange zest on top.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until muffin tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 08

Cool: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater or microplane
  • Spatula

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. If unsure, check with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), tree nuts (if added), dairy (buttermilk)

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Serves for general info – not a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 215
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 3 g