Are you craving those irresistible cranberry orange muffins from Panera Bread? The ones with the perfectly tart cranberries, the bright burst of orange zest, and that melt-in-your-mouth crumb? Well, you're in luck! This recipe lets you recreate that bakery magic right in your own kitchen. It's easier than you think, and the result is a delicious homemade treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This is a crucial step for easy muffin removal and even baking.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly fluffy muffin.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step. This creates air pockets, contributing to a tender crumb.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Then, gradually add the orange juice, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins.
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Add Cranberries & Zest: Stir in the cranberries and orange zest. The zest adds a wonderful aromatic layer of flavor.
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Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
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Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Muffins:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing leads to tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries offer the brightest flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet muffin, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
- Add nuts: For extra texture and flavor, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Make it a streusel topping: Prepare a simple streusel topping by combining ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle it over the muffins before baking.
Variations:
- Lemon Cranberry Muffins: Substitute lemon juice and zest for the orange.
- Spiced Cranberry Orange Muffins: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per muffin, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
This recipe for homemade cranberry orange muffins offers a delightful alternative to store-bought options. Enjoy the fresh flavors and the satisfaction of making these delicious treats from scratch. They’re perfect for quick dinner ideas, too! These muffins are sure to become a family favorite, offering a tasty and convenient breakfast or snack. They’re a great example of delicious dishes made easy with homemade cooking. These easy recipes are perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.