Warm muffins in the morning are the perfect way to start any fall or winter day, and these cranberry orange muffins with a scrumptious streusel topping may be one of my favorite muffin recipes of all time.

Besides giving your home a glorious smell, they are perfect combination of tart, fresh cranberries, tangy orange, and sweet, crunchy streusel. A delicious, cranberry orange muffin is a comforting treat any time of year and especially during the holiday season.

Cranberry orange muffins are not only a delicious snack but also a great way to bring a taste of the season to your breakfast or brunch table.

Holiday pro tip: You can also make a batch of mini-muffins with this recipe and take them to the office to share as a morning treat or as part of a potluck.

What to serve with cranberry orange muffins

As much as we all love a good muffin all by itself (a perfect lunchbox treat or afternoon snack!), adding these muffins to a larger meal will take it to the next level.

For a complete and satisfying breakfast or brunch, try serving your cranberry orange muffins alongside a fluffy scrambled egg dish or my savory bacon and cheese quiche. Add this cheesy hashbrown casserole, and don’t forget a side of crispy bacon or slightly spicy sausage. To balance out the rich flavors, serve a refreshing fruit salad.

And to drink, a bubbly mimosa or a refreshing iced tea would complement your meal perfectly.

fill muffin tin with batter for cranberry orange muffins.

Ingredients needed to make this cranberry orange muffins recipe

Here are the items to gather to make this delicious recipe for orange cranberry muffins, plus a bit of info about what each ingredient adds to them.

All-Purpose Flour: The baking staple gives structure to the muffins.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the muffin base and gives a little crunch to the streusel topping.
Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrus note to the muffins.
Baking Powder: Leavens the muffins for their light and fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the taste of the other ingredients.
Unsalted Butter: Gives the muffins a rich flavor and tender texture, while also providing a creamy base for the streusel topping.
Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang to the muffin and reacts with baking powder to create a more fluffy texture.
Orange Juice: Enhances the orange flavor and provides moisture to the muffin batter.
Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the muffins.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and rounds out the other ingredients.
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Provides a tart, fruity burst in every bite and are a good source of fiber.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm spicy, flavor to the topping.

cranberry orange muffin topping ingredients

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Muffin pan
Mixing bowls
Spatula

Frequently asked questions about making cranberry orange muffins

Below are some common questions and answers about this recipe and making muffins, in general. If you have a question I haven’t covered, post it in the comments section. I will reply as soon as I can!

What is the secret to moist muffins?

A few factors contribute to making the muffins moist, every time. First, avoid overmixing the batter, which can create a dense and dry muffin. Stir your batter mixture just until the ingredients are combined.

Also, muffins like these call for ingredients like melted butter and buttermilk, which are helpful in keeping muffins moist. Last, make sure you bake the muffins at the correct temperature and just long enough. Overbaking causes dryness, so keep an eye on them and do the toothpick test for doneness.

What is the best way to store muffins?

Let muffins cool completely to prevent steam from creating a soggy muffin. Then, use an muffin tin or other airtight container lined with a paper tower to absorb any excess moisture to store the muffins in a single layer. Store the container in a cool, dry place out of directly sunlight and away from heat sources.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, you can freeze these cranberry orange muffins. Wrap each muffin individually in wax paper, place them in a freezer-safe container, and thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy. You could even warm them only slightly after thawing. Frozen muffins stay fresh for up to two or three months.

Can I substitute dried cranberries in this recipe?

Yes. To substitute dried cranberries for fresh or frozen cranberries in this recipe, use only 3/4 cup of sweetened, dried cranberries for every 1 cup of fresh or frozen. Pre-soak the dried cranberries in warm water or juice to soften and plump them before adding them to the batter. Also adjust the recipe’s sugar content, since dried cranberries often contain added sugar.

How do I keep the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the muffins?

Toss the cranberries in a tablespoon or two of flour to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.

How can I increase the orange flavor?

For a more intense orange flavor, substitute some of the buttermilk with additional orange juice.

What are some variations on these muffins?

Try experimenting with different extracts in the streusel topping, like almond or lemon, for a unique twist.

More Grandma-Favorite Recipes to Try