Cranberry Orange Streusel Muffins (Print)

Citrusy muffins featuring cranberries and a buttery streusel—ideal for breakfast, snacks, or brunch occasions.

# Components:

→ Streusel Topping

01 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
02 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

→ Muffins

05 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
11 - 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
14 - 1/2 cup whole milk
15 - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved if large

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
02 - In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Cut in cold, cubed unsalted butter using a fork or fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, and finely grated orange zest.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together large eggs, vegetable oil, whole milk, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract until well blended.
05 - Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
06 - Gently fold in fresh or frozen cranberries, halved if large.
07 - Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Top each muffin generously with the chilled streusel mixture.
08 - Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
09 - Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses easy to find pantry ingredients
  • Fresh citrus zest adds natural flavor without extracts
  • Ready in about 40 minutes with minimal prep
  • Freezes beautifully for make ahead breakfasts or snacks
02 -
  • High in vitamin C thanks to fresh orange juice and zest
  • Cranberries are natural antioxidants
  • Easy to adapt for nut lovers or those who want a glaze on top
03 -
  • Never skip refrigerating your streusel before baking cold butter leads to that perfect crumbly texture
  • Always zest your orange directly over the mixing bowl to capture every bit of oil and fragrance
  • Tap your muffin tin gently on the counter before baking to level the batter and prevent lopsided muffins for professional looking results

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