Orange Cranberry Muffin Tops (Printable version)
Zesty orange muffin tops with juicy cranberries, ideal for a fresh breakfast or a midday treat.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
09 - 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
10 - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
11 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins
12 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
13 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for tossing cranberries)
→ Optional Topping
14 - 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in yogurt or sour cream, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
05 - Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
06 - Toss cranberries with 1 tablespoon flour, then gently fold into the batter.
07 - Drop large rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Optionally, sprinkle tops with coarse sugar.
08 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set.
09 - Let muffin tops cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- They're bursting with fresh citrus and berry flavors that feel like a little secret only bakers share
- The texture is perfectly tender yet slightly crisp at the edges, making every bite unforgettable
02 -
- Flouring your cranberries is key to prevent them from sinking—trust me, this changed everything about the evenness of my muffin tops
- Do not overmix the batter; a gentle fold keeps the texture tender and light
03 -
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for best creaming results that trap air and make the batter fluffier
- Freshly grated orange zest is far superior to dried—it brings that vibrant aroma that brightens the whole batch