Quick Festive Cranberry Orange

Featured in: Seasonal Simple Bakes

These moist, fluffy muffins blend tart cranberries with zesty orange for a festive touch. Quick to prepare, they combine dry ingredients like flour and sugar with wet ingredients including eggs, buttermilk, and fresh orange zest and juice. The batter is gently folded with cranberries and optional nuts, then baked until golden. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or snacks, they offer a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Variations include nut-free or dairy-free substitutions and glazing options for added sweetness.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:10:00 GMT
Quick Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins, golden brown and perfectly baked, ready to serve for breakfast. Pin it
Quick Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins, golden brown and perfectly baked, ready to serve for breakfast. | weeknightwhisk.com

Moist, fluffy muffins bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange—perfect for holiday breakfasts or snacks.

These muffins quickly became a family favorite during the festive season with their delightful balance of tartness and sweetness.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice), Zest of 1 large orange, 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Add-ins: 1 1/4 cups (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large), 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • Topping (optional): 2 tbsp coarse sugar, 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3:
In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, buttermilk, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until well combined.
Step 4:
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined do not overmix.
Step 5:
Fold in cranberries and nuts (if using).
Step 6:
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and extra orange zest if desired.
Step 7:
Bake 18–20 minutes, or until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8:
Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
A close-up of freshly baked Quick Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins, bursting with juicy cranberries and zest. Pin it
A close-up of freshly baked Quick Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins, bursting with juicy cranberries and zest. | weeknightwhisk.com

Sharing these muffins with family around the breakfast table has created warm and joyful holiday memories.

Required Tools

12-cup muffin tin Mixing bowls Whisk Measuring cups and spoons Grater or microplane (for zest) Spatula

Allergen Information

Contains: Eggs, wheat (gluten), tree nuts (if added), dairy (buttermilk). For nut-free, omit nuts. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and add 1 tsp lemon juice.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 215 Total Fat: 9 g Carbohydrates: 31 g Protein: 3 g per muffin

Fluffy Quick Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins, studded with cranberries, offer a delightful and tasty treat. Pin it
Fluffy Quick Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins, studded with cranberries, offer a delightful and tasty treat. | weeknightwhisk.com

These quick festive cranberry orange muffins add the perfect bright flavor to your holiday mornings.

Quick Festive Cranberry Orange

Fluffy muffins with tart cranberries and bright orange zest, perfect for festive mornings or tasty snacks.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Time Needed
35 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 2 large eggs
02 1/2 cup vegetable oil
03 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
04 Zest of 1 large orange
05 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

01 1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved if large
02 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Topping (optional)

01 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
02 1 teaspoon orange zest

Step-by-Step

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 04

Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until incorporated, avoiding overmixing to maintain fluffiness.

Step 05

Add Cranberries and Nuts: Fold in cranberries and nuts if using, ensuring even distribution without overworking the batter.

Step 06

Fill Muffin Cups and Add Topping: Divide batter evenly into prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and additional orange zest if desired.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 08

Cool: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools Required

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater or microplane for zest
  • Spatula

Allergy Notice

Go through every ingredient to identify allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), tree nuts (if added), and dairy (buttermilk).

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Nutrition details are for general reference and shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Caloric Content: 215
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 3 g