The sweet aroma of freshly baked Orange Cranberry Sauce Muffins wafts through the air, tantalizing your taste buds and promising a burst of citrusy delight. Imagine biting into a warm muffin, where the tangy cranberries dance with the bright notes of orange, creating a symphony of flavors that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly morning. hearty taco soup delicious vegetable soup.
Growing up, my family would gather around the breakfast table during the holidays, eagerly awaiting these delectable muffins. Their vibrant color and inviting fragrance would instantly elevate our mood. Now, they have become a staple for brunch gatherings or just an excuse to indulge while binge-watching our favorite shows.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These delightful Orange Cranberry Sauce Muffins are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
- Bursting with flavor, they offer a unique twist on traditional muffins
- The cheerful pop of color makes them visually appealing on any breakfast table
- Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a grab-and-go snack throughout the week
I remember one holiday morning when my cousin took one bite and declared it was better than dessert. Who knew muffins could cause such excitement? For more inspiration, check out this Banana Bread Cookies recipe.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: perfect savory side dish. For more inspiration, check out this Avocado Chicken Salad recipe recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your muffin base; choose unbleached for a richer flavor.
Baking Powder: Ensure freshness for those fluffy, rising muffins; check expiration dates before use.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but feel free to experiment with brown sugar for depth.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
Whole Milk: Choose whole milk for creaminess; almond or soy milk works too if you’re dairy-free.
Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest adds that vibrant citrus kick we all love!
Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; just make sure it’s cranberry sauce and not jelly!
Butter: Melted butter brings moisture and richness; I prefer unsalted to control salt levels.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to your muffins’ flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. easy flatbread recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease them lightly with nonstick spray. This ensures easy removal and minimal cleanup afterward.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. This creates a dry mix that will hold all those fantastic flavors together.
In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, orange zest, and cranberry sauce. Stir until everything is well incorporated; you want that beautiful mix of colors!
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing; you want those muffins light and airy!
Spoon the batter into each muffin cup until about three-quarters full. You can sprinkle some extra cranberries on top for visual appeal if you’re feeling fancy.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you’ll know they’re done when they smell like heaven!
Let them cool in the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling time allows them to set properly without becoming soggy.
Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—if they last that long!
You Must Know
- Orange Cranberry Sauce Muffins are a delightful blend of tart and sweet, perfect for breakfast or as a snack
- The burst of citrus combined with the juicy cranberry creates an irresistible treat
- Plus, they fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma that makes everyone curious about what’s baking
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F while mixing dry ingredients. Next, combine wet ingredients separately before folding them into the dry mix for fluffy muffins.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for blueberries or add nuts for extra crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag and reheat in the oven.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh cranberries for a burst of flavor; frozen ones can make the batter too wet
- Make sure to properly measure flour to avoid dense muffins
- Adding a touch of orange zest can elevate the citrus flavor tremendously
Baking these muffins reminds me of my grandmother, who would always say, “More zest means more zest for life!” One holiday, we baked together, filling her kitchen with laughter and delicious smells.

FAQ
Can I make Orange Cranberry Sauce Muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.
What should I do if my muffins are too dense?
Ensure you’re measuring flour correctly and not overmixing the batter to maintain fluffiness.
How can I add more flavor to my muffins?
Consider adding spices like nutmeg or even a hint of vanilla extract for extra depth.

Orange Cranberry Sauce Muffins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 muffins 1x
Description
Orange Cranberry Sauce Muffins are a delightful breakfast treat bursting with bright citrus and tart cranberry flavors. These muffins are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from holiday brunches to cozy mornings at home. With their vibrant color and irresistible aroma, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¾ cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, orange zest, and cranberry sauce until well combined.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined; do not overmix.
- Spoon the batter into muffin cups until three-quarters full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (75g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts or swapping cranberries for blueberries. Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
