Delightful Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins Recipe

The aroma of freshly baked Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins wafting through the house feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. Picture biting into one of these fluffy delights; bursts of tart cranberry dance with sweet citrus while crunchy pecans add a delightful texture. It’s like a party in your mouth where everyone’s invited.

I still remember the first time I made these muffins for my family during the holidays. My kitchen became an aromatic wonderland that pulled everyone from their cozy corners with promises of something delicious. These are perfect for brunch gatherings or those lazy Sunday mornings when all you want is comfort food with flair.

I distinctly recall my nephew’s eyes lighting up when he took his first bite. “Auntie,” he exclaimed with crumbs cascading down his chin, “these are better than cereal!”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use fresh flour for optimal results; it provides structure to your muffins.
• Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
• Baking Powder: Essential for that lovely rise; ensure it’s fresh for maximum fluffiness.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making the muffins taste salty.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; avoid margarine for best results.
• Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together and create a tender crumb.
• Fresh Oranges (Zest and Juice): Zest adds brightness while juice keeps the batter moist.
• Dried Cranberries: Opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties for balanced sweetness.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans provide a delightful crunch; toast them for extra flavor if you have time.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line muffin tins with paper liners to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat melted butter with eggs until smooth. Then stir in fresh orange juice and zest to infuse that citrus magic into your mix.

Fold Ingredients Together: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep those muffins light and fluffy.

Add Cranberries and Pecans: Carefully fold in dried cranberries and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter; this step offers delightful bursts of flavor in every bite.

Bake to Perfection: Spoon the batter into prepared muffin tins about three-quarters full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Feel free to share these delights with friends or enjoy them all yourself—no judgment here! The vibrant colors and scrumptious flavors will surely become a highlight at any gathering or cozy morning at home.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix dry ingredients first, then add wet ingredients for perfect blending. Pour into muffin tins, filling each about 3/4 full for ideal rising.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different crunch. You can also add chocolate chips or coconut for a sweet twist on these delightful muffins.

Storing & Reheating

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag and reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.

I still remember the first time I brought these cranberry, orange & pecan muffins to a family gathering. Everyone raved about them, leaving me feeling like a baking superstar!

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries in my muffins?

Yes, but thaw them first to prevent excess moisture in the batter.

What can I substitute for pecans?

You can use walnuts or almonds as tasty alternatives for added crunch.

How long do these muffins stay fresh?

These muffins remain fresh for three days at room temperature in an airtight container.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 12 muffins 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These delightful muffins combine tart cranberries, citrusy orange zest, and crunchy pecans for a perfect breakfast or snack. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line muffin tins.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat melted butter with eggs until smooth. Stir in orange juice and zest.
4. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Carefully fold in cranberries and pecans.
6. Spoon batter into muffin tins about three-quarters full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

• For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with sunflower seeds.
•  Experiment by adding spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
•  Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin (60g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg