Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins are a delightful blend of tart, sweet, and nutty flavors, perfect for brightening up your breakfast or snack time. These moist and tender muffins combine the zing of fresh orange zest, the tang of juicy cranberries, and the crunch of toasted pecans in every bite.
Whether enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or packed for an on-the-go treat, they offer a comforting balance of freshness and texture. Ideal for fall and winter baking, these muffins also make a festive addition to holiday brunch tables or cozy weekend mornings with a cup of coffee or tea.
If you’re looking for a warm, bakery-style muffin that strikes the perfect balance between tart, sweet, and nutty, look no further than these Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins.
With juicy cranberries, fragrant orange zest, and buttery pecans, these muffins are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a midday snack. Moist, flavorful, and bursting with texture, they also freeze well—so bake a batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins
Description
Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins are moist, flavorful treats bursting with tangy cranberries, zesty orange zest, and crunchy toasted pecans.
These muffins strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.
The citrusy brightness of orange complements the rich nuttiness of pecans and the bold flavor of cranberries beautifully.
They’re easy to make, freeze well, and are a festive favorite during fall and winter, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Perfect with a warm drink, these muffins offer a wholesome, bakery-style indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
Add-ins:
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup with butter or cooking spray.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevents clumping.
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In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add in the oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until smooth and well combined.
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Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix—a few lumps are fine. Overmixing leads to dense muffins.
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Fold in the cranberries and pecans. If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw—just toss them in a little flour before mixing to prevent color bleeding.
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Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups—filling each about 3/4 full. For a bakery-style touch, sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar or extra chopped pecans if desired.
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Place in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are delicious warm, especially with a smear of butter or orange marmalade.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 260kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 220mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 16g
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins are a delightful fusion of tart, citrusy brightness and nutty crunch. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these muffins are easy to make and even easier to love.
To help you get the most out of every batch, here are expert tips and clever serving tricks to ensure your muffins turn out bakery-worthy every time.
Baking Tips for Perfect Muffins
1. Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries Wisely
Fresh cranberries bring a bold, tart pop to each bite. If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them beforehand—this helps prevent bleeding into the batter. To tame the tartness, you can also toss cranberries with a spoonful of sugar before folding them in.
2. Zest Before You Juice
Always zest the orange before juicing it. The zest adds a concentrated burst of citrus flavor that complements the tangy cranberries. Use a microplane for fine, fragrant zest.
3. Toast the Pecans
Toasting pecans before adding them to the batter brings out their deep, nutty aroma. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool before chopping.
4. Do Not Overmix the Batter
Overmixing leads to dense, tough muffins. Mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Gently fold in the cranberries and pecans last to keep the texture light.
5. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Room temperature eggs, milk, and butter blend more evenly, helping your muffins rise better and have a consistent crumb.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups Properly
For evenly sized muffins with beautiful domed tops, fill the muffin cups about ¾ full. Use an ice cream scoop for neat and uniform portions.
Serving Tricks to Elevate Your Muffins
1. Serve Warm with a Citrus Glaze
Make a simple orange glaze using powdered sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice. Drizzle over warm muffins to add sweetness and an elegant finish. This works great for brunches or holiday mornings.
2. Pair with Whipped Honey Butter
Serve your muffins with a side of whipped honey butter or orange-scented cream cheese. This adds richness and creates a more indulgent treat—perfect for afternoon tea or special breakfasts.
3. Make Mini Muffins for Parties
For a party or potluck, prepare mini versions using a mini muffin tin. Reduce baking time to about 10–12 minutes. They're easier to share and great for tasting without overindulging.
4. Add a Crunchy Topping
Before baking, sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar, chopped pecans, or a light streusel topping for extra texture. It gives the muffins a beautiful, bakery-style finish.
5. Serve as a Holiday Gift
Wrap cooled muffins individually in parchment paper and tie with twine for a charming homemade holiday gift. You can also package them in decorative boxes for a thoughtful hostess present.
6. Freeze for Later
These muffins freeze beautifully. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Tips for the Best Muffins
- Fresh Orange Flavor: Don’t skip the zest! It adds intense citrus aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
- Crunchy Pecans: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes before using to bring out their nutty flavor.
- Tart vs Sweet Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a tangy burst, but dried cranberries (sweetened) can be substituted if fresh aren’t available. Use 3/4 cup dried and soak them in orange juice for 10 minutes to plump up.
- Make it Healthier: Use half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or swap the oil for applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week. Muffins freeze well—wrap individually and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are perfect served with a hot cup of tea or coffee in the morning. For brunch, pair with a fruit salad or yogurt. Warm them slightly and serve with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey for an extra indulgent treat.
Seasonal Twist
These muffins are ideal for fall and winter, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas when cranberries and citrus are in season. Add a touch of warm spice—like cinnamon or nutmeg—for an even cozier flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins are a delightful mix of texture and flavor—bright, tangy, and nutty with just the right amount of sweetness.
Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins are the perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and nutty. By using fresh ingredients, balancing flavors, and employing a few creative serving ideas, you can transform a simple muffin into a showstopping treat.
Whether served warm with a citrus glaze, packed in a brunch basket, or frozen for future cravings, these muffins offer a burst of seasonal joy with every bite.
They’re simple to make, loved by all ages, and offer a festive touch to any breakfast spread. Whether you bake them for yourself, your family, or as a holiday gift, these muffins are sure to bring smiles with every bite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes! Dried cranberries can be used if fresh or frozen aren't available. To prevent them from drying out the muffins, soak the dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice for 10–15 minutes before adding them to the batter. Drain well before mixing in.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut or make it nut-free?
Absolutely. Walnuts are a great substitute if you don’t have pecans on hand. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch without the allergens.
How do I keep these muffins moist and flavorful?
The key to moist muffins is not overmixing the batter and not overbaking them. Using fresh orange juice and zest enhances the flavor, while a bit of yogurt or sour cream in the batter helps keep the texture soft and moist. Always test for doneness with a toothpick – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze very well. Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for about 30 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature.
