Cranberry Orange Muffins

If you ask me about muffins, Blueberry Muffins will always be my absolute favorite. There’s just something about those sweet, juicy berries tucked inside a soft, tender muffin that makes every bite irresistible.

But let me tell you — these Cranberry Orange Muffins are a very close second. In fact, they might just sneak their way into your holiday brunch rotation after one taste.

You can even find this recipe featured in the Cranberry Cookbook: Top 50 Most Delicious Cranberry Recipes, a collection filled with festive favorites just like this one.

There’s something magical about the combination of tart cranberries and bright, sweet orange. The flavors complement each other perfectly — the citrus brings out the natural sweetness in the cranberries, while the cranberries add just the right amount of tang to balance the batter.

It’s a flavor pairing that feels both festive and comforting, making it ideal for a holiday breakfast or brunch spread.

If you’re putting together a holiday brunch menu, you might also love my Cinnamon Roll Casserole, Ham and Potato Hash, or Joanna Gaines Sausage Gravy

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

• Bright and flavorful: The orange zest and juice give each muffin a refreshing citrus aroma.
• Bakery-style tops: A sprinkle of coarse sugar and a few extra cranberries make them look as good as they taste.
• Versatile for the holidays: These muffins are perfect alongside coffee for a Christmas morning, or as part of a brunch buffet with friends and family.

What are Cranberry Orange Muffins?

Cranberry Orange Muffins are soft, moist, bakery-style muffins made with fresh or frozen cranberries and flavored with orange juice and orange zest.

They combine tart, juicy cranberries with bright, sweet citrus, creating a muffin that’s both refreshing and cozy — perfect for winter breakfasts, Christmas brunch, or anytime you want a bakery-quality treat.

Pro tip: You can use fresh, frozen, or even dried cranberries depending on what you have on hand. The orange flavor is what makes this muffin truly special, so don’t skip the zest!

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Orange juice
• Egg
• Vegetable oil
• Orange zest
• Cranberries

How to make Cranberry Orange Muffins

Preheat oven to 400°.

In a bowl, add flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt and
combine.

Then stir in the cranberries.

In a separate large bowl, beat the egg, orange juice, orange rind and oil
together.

Add all the dry ingredients from the first bowl to these wet ingredients, and
stir until everything is moist.

Stir just to moisten.

Grease the cup of a muffin pan, or add liners.

Then spoon the muffin batter into the cups until each cup is 2/3 full, leaving room for them to rise in the oven.

Lightly sprinkle the tops of the muffins with sugar.

Place in the oven and bake at 400° for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the
muffins begin to brown lightly and are firm.

Remove from the oven and allow the muffins to cool before serving.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack anytime.