• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Sunshine Bite
  • Recipe Box
    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Dips, Dressings & Sauces
    • Drinks
    • Instant Pot
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads
    • Sides
    • Slow Cooker
    • Snacks
    • Soups
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Box
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Box
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Breakfast

    Orange Cranberry Muffins

    Published: October 25, 2021 - Last updated: February 8, 2023 by Erika

    Jump to Recipe
    orange cranberry muffins pin.

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my disclosure.

    Orange Cranberry Muffins are packed with cranberries and flavored with fresh orange juice and orange zest! They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack. They're filled with warm flavors and are delicious for fall.

    muffins stacked on a plate with one cut in half.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Storing & Freezing
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • More Snack Recipes You'll Love
    • Orange Cranberry Muffins

    Check out my Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cookies and my Pineapple Avocado Smoothie for more tasty snack recipes!

    These hearty and flavorful orange cranberry muffins are packed full of fresh orange zest and fresh cranberries. They're simple to make and absolutely delicious. Plus, they freeze well so you can make an extra batch to freeze and easily defrost for a quick breakfast on the go!

    These orange cranberry muffins are so simple to make with just a handful ingredients!

    muffins on a white plate.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Big on flavor and bursting with cranberries in each bite!
    • Made by hand with everyday ingredients.
    • They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack.
    • They'll make your house smell like the holidays!
    • Tastes just like you got them from a bakery!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    orange cranberry muffins labeled ingredients.
    • Cranberries: Cranberries are a tart and flavorful fruit that add a unique taste to the muffins.
    • Orange Zest: Adds a citrus flavor and aroma to the muffins.
    • Egg: Serves as a binding agent and helps to leaven the muffins.
    • Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the muffins to rise.
    • Flour: Forms the base of the muffin batter and provides structure.
    • Granulated Sugar: Used to sweeten the muffins.
    • Salt: Used to enhance the flavors in the muffins.
    • Orange Juice: Used to add a citrus flavor and moisture to the muffins.
    • Butter: Adds flavor and richness to the muffins.
    • Brown Sugar: Used to sweeten the muffins and also add a depth of flavor and moisture.
    • Powdered Sugar: Used as a topping for the muffins.
    • Milk: used to moisten the batter and make it creamy.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    four image process making orange cranberry muffins.
    four image process making cranberry orange muffins.
    two image process making orange cranberry muffins.

    Step 1:

    Using your hands or a pastry blender, mix the softened butter with the dry ingredients.

    Step 2:

    Add egg and the orange juice and mix.

    Step 3:

    Toss the cranberries in a tablespoon of flour.

    Step 4:

    Fold the cranberries into the batter.

    Step 5:

    Scoop batter into a muffin liner ¾ the way full.

    Step 6:

    In another mixing bowl, add the streusel dry ingredients and mix.

    Step 7:

    Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and using a fork, work the mix and the butter together until clumps form.

    Step 8:

    Spoon the streusel onto the top of the muffin batter.

    Step 9:

    Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes until muffins are fully cooked and a toothpick is dry when you insert it into the center of the muffin.

    Step 10:

    While the muffins are cooking, mix the powdered sugar, milk and orange zest.

    Step 11:

    Let muffins cool before drizzling with glaze.

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    close up view of muffin cut in half.

    Expert Tips

    • Make sure eggs are at room temperature so they can incorporate fully into the batter.
    • Stir until just combined. If you over-mix, your muffins could end up tough.
    • You can use cupcake liners or just bake right in the muffin tin. Just make sure to grease the muffin tin well.
    • Divide the batter evenly between the muffin tin cups.

    Variations

    • Try adding a ½ cup chocolate chips or toasted nuts to the batter before baking!
    • Add an orange glaze on top! See the FAQ's below.
    • Sprinkle the batter with coarse sugar before baking to give the top a bit of crunch and texture.

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Freezing: Place the muffins in a freezer safe container or zip top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Recipe FAQ's

    Can I use dried cranberries to make orange cranberry muffins?

    Yes. Freeze the cranberries and add them to the batter in place of the fresh cranberries.

    Would an orange glaze on top taste good?

    Yes! In a medium mixing bowl combine 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, and 2 teaspoons milk; whisk until smooth, adding more milk as needed to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over the muffins right before serving.

    More Snack Recipes You'll Love

    • yogurt granola bars with berries thumbnail picture.
      Yogurt Granola Bars With Berries
    • apple cinnamon popcorn thumbnail picture.
      Apple Cinnamon Popcorn

    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.

    orange cranberry muffins thumbnail picture.

    Orange Cranberry Muffins

    Erika
    Orange cranberry muffins are packed with cranberries and flavored with fresh orange juice and orange zest! They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack. They're filled with warm flavors and are delicious for fall.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 Servings
    Calories 197 kcal

    Equipment

    • Non-Stick Muffin and Cupcake Pan

    Ingredients
      

    For Muffins

    • 1 ¾ cups fresh cranberries
    • 2 tablespoons orange zest
    • 1 egg
    • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 cups flour + 1 tablespoon for cranberries
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¾ cup orange juice
    • 2 tablespoons butter

    For Streusel Topping

    • 1 ¼ cup flour
    • ½ cup light brown sugar tightly packed
    • ⅓ cup sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 6 tablespoons butter melted

    For Glaze

    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 2 tablespoons milk
    • 1 tablespoon orange zest
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Using your hands or a pastry blender, mix the softened butter with the dry ingredients.
    • Add egg and the orange juice and mix.
    • Toss the cranberries in a tablespoon of flour.
    • Fold the cranberries into the batter.
    • Scoop batter into a muffin liner ¾ the way full.
    • In another mixing bowl, add the streusel dry ingredients and mix.
    • Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and using a fork, work the mix and the butter together until clumps form.
    • Spoon the streusel onto the top of the muffin batter.
    • Bake for 20 minutes until muffins are fully cooked and a toothpick is dry when you insert it into the center of the muffin.
    • While the muffins are cooking, mix the powdered sugar, milk and orange zest.
    • Let muffins cool before drizzling with glaze.

    Notes

    • Make sure eggs are at room temperature so they can incorporate fully into the batter.
    • Stir until just combined. If you over-mix, your muffins could end up tough.
    • You can use cupcake liners or just bake right in the muffin tin. Just make sure to grease the muffin tin well.
    • Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    • Freezing: Place the muffins in a freezer safe container or zip top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 197kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 3gFat: 1gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 263mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keyword Orange Cranberry Muffins
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Enjoy!

    signature

    More Breakfast

    • sourdough banana muffins thumbnail picture.
      Sourdough Banana Muffins
    • peach streusel bread thumbnail picture.
      Peach Streusel Bread
    • pumpkin banana muffins thumbnail picture.
      Pumpkin Banana Muffins
    • baked brownie oatmeal thumbnail picture.
      Brownie Baked Oatmeal

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    I'm Erika! I'm so glad you're here. I live in Arizona where the sun is always shining! I'm a mom of four who loves spending time in the kitchen cooking, baking and eating!

    My Recent Posts

    • blue cheese pasta salad thumbnail picture.Blue Cheese Pasta Salad
    • coffee whipped cream thumbnail picture.Coffee Whipped Cream
    • sourdough banana muffins thumbnail picture.Sourdough Banana Muffins
    • deep fried peach cobbler thumbnail picture.Deep Fried Peach Cobbler
    • peach streusel bread thumbnail picture.Peach Streusel Bread

    The Sunshine Bite is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    Footer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Work With Me
    • Accessibility

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “ACCEPT ALL”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsREJECT ALLACCEPT ALL
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    4 shares