Name: Mini Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp Kosher salt; 1 egg; ½ cup buttermilk; ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil; ½ tsp pure vanilla extract; Minced zest of 1 orange; ½ cup granulated sugar (divided); ½ cup minced dried cranberries; Sparkling or granulated sugar (for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

If you love quick, delightful treats packed with festive flavors, you are going to absolutely adore this Mini Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe! These bite-sized gems are bursting with bright citrus zest and the sweet-tart pop of dried cranberries, all wrapped up in a tender, moist crumb. Perfect for morning coffee, holiday brunches, or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is a joyful celebration of simple ingredients working together to create something truly special. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of orange and spice and enjoy a muffin experience that’s as charming as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with creamy pale yellow batter forms the base layer, topped with a heap of deep red berries that are coated with a light dusting of white sugar. A white spatula with a wooden handle is resting partially submerged in the mixture, positioned on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface, creating a bright and clean backdrop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these perfect little muffins. Each component is thoughtfully selected to bring out the best in flavor, texture, and aroma, ensuring every bite is just right.

All-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and softness to your muffins.
Baking powder: This gives your muffins their lovely lightness and rise.
Pumpkin pie spice: Adds warm, aromatic notes that elevate the muffin’s flavor beyond ordinary.
Baking soda: Helps balance acidity and promotes a tender crumb.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
Buttermilk: Imparts moisture and a slight tang, perfectly complementing the cranberries.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness balanced across the batter and cranberry coating.
Canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the flavor profile.
Minced zest of 1 orange: Brings bright citrus aroma and fresh flavor right into every bite.
Minced dried cranberries: Adds a delightful tartness and chewy texture that brightens the muffins.
Sparkling or granulated sugar: For a pretty, sweet top that crunches just enough.

How to Make Mini Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready when you’re set to bake. Line your mini muffin pans with paper liners—they make cleanup a breeze and give your muffins a pretty presentation.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and Kosher salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices, setting a solid foundation for the batter’s flavor and rise.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. Add the buttermilk, half of the sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and the freshly minced orange zest. Mixing these well releases the citrus oils and melds the flavors that will bring the muffins to life.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep the muffins tender and light rather than dense and tough.

Step 5: Sweeten and Add Cranberries

Toss the minced dried cranberries with the remaining sugar to coat them evenly. This little trick helps the cranberries stay moist and adds a delightful sugary crunch inside the muffins. Fold them gently into the batter.

Step 6: Portion and Bake

Use a #60 scoop or roughly a scant tablespoon to portion the batter into the lined mini muffin cups. Sprinkle each with sparkling sugar for a sweet, sparkly finish. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures the muffins are perfectly cooked but still moist inside.

How to Serve Mini Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or drizzle a simple orange glaze over the muffins just before serving. Freshly chopped mint or a small dollop of whipped cream can also complement their bright flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a more substantial breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a creamy yogurt parfait topped with fresh fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the mini muffins on a festive platter with small bowls of clotted cream, honey, or orange marmalade for a charming brunch display. You can also thread a few onto decorative skewers for a fun grab-and-go snack presentation at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Mini Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe delights in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and tasty without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these anytime, freeze the cooled muffins in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm your muffins in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness and revives that freshly baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be a bit tart and moist, which might change the texture of the muffins. If you decide to use fresh, consider reducing some liquid in the batter and adding extra sugar to balance the tartness.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in small amounts. This will bring the warm spice notes that complement the orange and cranberry flavors beautifully.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

To veganize this recipe, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg, use a plant-based milk with a little lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute, and replace the oil with a neutral vegetable oil. The muffins might vary slightly in texture but will still be delicious.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing and reheating?

Absolutely! These Mini Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe bakes perfectly for freezing and can be reheated with ease while retaining their moist crumb and flavor. Just be sure they’re fully cooled before freezing.

What is the best way to get the orange zest?

Using a fine grater or a microplane works best for zesting oranges. Be careful to only take the colorful skin part, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

You simply cannot go wrong with this Mini Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe. Its lovely burst of citrus paired with tart cranberries makes it a timeless treat that’s easy enough to whip up any day of the week yet special enough for celebrations. Whether you’re gifting these adorable muffins or enjoying them fresh from the oven, they’re sure to bring smiles and satisfied taste buds. Give this recipe a try and let the magic of bright flavors and tender crumb sweep you away into muffin bliss!