Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins with Holiday Glow: 9 Bright Reasons You’ll Bake Them Again

Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins with Holiday Glow are everything I want on a crisp morning — soft, tender crumb, bursts of tart cranberry, and that fresh orange zing that instantly wakes up your senses. These muffins feel festive without being fussy, comforting without being heavy, and just sweet enough to make breakfast feel like a treat.

I started baking these when the days got shorter and the mornings colder, and now they’ve become a seasonal ritual. One batch in the oven and suddenly the house smells like citrus, butter, and warmth — the kind of smell that pulls everyone into the kitchen asking for “just one more.”

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Overview of Recipe Content

What Are Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins?

These are classic bakery-style breakfast muffins made with fresh orange zest and juicy cranberries. They’re light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy — ideal for breakfast, brunch, or holiday mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright citrus flavor
• Tart cranberries in every bite
• Soft, moist texture
• Perfect for holidays and meal prep
• Freezer-friendly
• Kid- and guest-approved

What Do They Taste Like?

Imagine a tender vanilla muffin infused with fragrant orange zest, dotted with pops of cranberry that burst slightly as you bite into them. They’re fresh, lightly sweet, and incredibly comforting.

Seasonal & Nutritional Notes

• Cranberries add antioxidants
• Orange zest brings natural brightness
• A lighter breakfast option that still feels indulgent
• Perfect fall and winter bake

Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup orange juice (fresh preferred)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped if large)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Muffin tin
• Paper liners
• Microplane or zester

Substitutions & Additions

• Use dried cranberries if fresh aren’t available
• Swap milk for almond milk
• Add a light orange glaze on top
• Sprinkle coarse sugar for bakery-style tops

How to Make Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins with Holiday Glow

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Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and orange zest. The zest releases its oils here — that’s where the magic starts.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, orange juice, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Combine

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix — a few streaks are okay.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in the cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until tops are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let muffins cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Muffins

• Hot coffee or tea
• Greek yogurt with honey
• Fresh fruit
• Add to a brunch spread with:
  • Protein Cookie Dough → https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough/

Pinterest inspiration: https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overmix the batter
• Use fresh orange zest only (not bottled)
• Toss cranberries in flour to prevent sinking
• Bake until just golden for tender muffins

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Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature for 2 days
• Refrigerate up to 5 days
• Freeze up to 2 months

General Information

Cranberry-orange combinations have long been holiday favorites due to their balance of tart and sweet. These muffins bring that timeless pairing into a simple, everyday breakfast bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries?

Yes, soak them briefly in warm orange juice first.

Can I make mini muffins?

Absolutely — reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes.

Can I glaze these?

A simple powdered sugar + orange juice glaze is lovely.

Are these overly sweet?

No — they’re balanced and breakfast-friendly.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Breakfast Muffins with Holiday Glow are cheerful, cozy, and endlessly bakeable. They’re the kind of muffin that makes mornings brighter and holiday tables warmer — simple, joyful, and full of citrus-kissed comfort.

If you loved these, try my No-Bake Banana Oat Cups or Greek Yogurt Chocolate Mousse next for more feel-good recipes.

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information (Per Muffin – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	230
Fat	10g
Carbs	32g
Sugar	16g
Protein	4g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	190mg

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