Indulge in the perfect blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange with our delightful Parera Cranberry Orange Muffin Recipe. Bake up a batch of these homemade muffins for a delicious breakfast or treat.

Looking for a delightful way to brighten your mornings? Our Parera Cranberry Orange Muffin recipe is here to infuse a burst of flavor into your day, quickly becoming your favorite muffin recipe.

Cranberry orange muffins are a delightful baked treat known for their perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This easy muffin recipe typically features a moist and tender crumb, generously filled with tart cranberries and infused with vibrant orange flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a simple and scrumptious treat, this cranberry orange muffins recipe is sure to become a household favorite. These bakery-style muffins are perfect for breakfast on-the-go, a brunch treat, or a delightful afternoon snack.

How to Make Panera Cranberry Orange Muffins

Ingredients

1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup cranberries
1/2 cup of white sugar
1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup of fresh orange juice
1/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of one orange
A pinch of salt

Instructions

Pre heat oven to 375 degrees F and line a regular muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until they are well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh orange juice, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Slowly add the wet mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the muffins dense.

Gently fold in the dried cranberries with a wooden spoon until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising and even baking.

Add a few juicy cranberries to the top of the muffins.

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven for a bake time of approximately 18-20 minutes until golden brown or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, savor the deliciousness of your homemade Parera Cranberry Orange Muffins!

Relevant Recipes

Panera Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
Blueberry Muffins
Starbucks Copycat Recipes

Tips for Best Results When Making Orange Cranberry Muffins

Start with fresh cranberries and oranges to get the best flavor. Freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh orange zest will provide a vibrant citrus taste.
When zesting the orange, only scrape off the outer orange layer, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath.
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until they are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
When adding cranberries to the batter, fold them in gently to distribute them evenly without crushing them.
Feel free to customize your muffins with add-ins like chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or white chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
You can also freeze cranberry orange muffins. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be reheated in the microwave or oven when needed.

Orange Cranberry Muffin Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute frozen cranberries for fresh ones in this recipe. However, keep in mind that frozen cranberries may release a bit more moisture during baking, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Can I use orange juice from a carton instead of fresh orange juice?

While fresh orange juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor, you can use orange juice from a carton as a substitute. Just make sure it’s 100% pure orange juice without added sugars or artificial flavors.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the muffin batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, fill the muffin cups and proceed with baking as directed. Freshly baked muffins are always best, but this can be a convenient time-saver.

Can I make these muffins in mini or jumbo muffin tins?

Yes, you can adjust the muffin size to your preference. Mini muffins will require a shorter baking time, while jumbo muffins will need a longer one. Keep a close eye on them and use a toothpick to check for doneness.

Cranberry Orange Muffins Recipe

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Indulge in the perfect blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange with our delightful Parera Cranberry Orange Muffin Recipe. Bake up a batch of these homemade muffins for a delicious breakfast or treat.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup cranberries
1/2 cup of white sugar
1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup of fresh orange juice
1/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of one orange
A pinch of salt

Instructions

Pre heat oven to 375 degrees F and line a regular muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease it.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until they are well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh orange juice, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Slowly add the wet mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the muffins dense.

Gently fold in the dried cranberries with a wooden spoon until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising and even baking.

Add a few juicy cranberries to the top of the muffins.

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven for a bake time of approximately 18-20 minutes until golden brown or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, savor the deliciousness of your homemade Parera Cranberry Orange Muffins!

Notes

Cranberry Orange Muffins Panera Bread Copycat Recipe serves: 12 large, bakery style muffins or 6 jumbo muffins.

After you zest the orange, cut it in half and juice it. You will need these oranges for your recipe--the flavorful juices moisten up Cranberry Orange Muffins to perfection!

The batter for these muffins is really thick.

There’s no need to defrost your cranberries if they are frozen

Store your cranberry orange muffins recipe in an airtight container.