If you’re searching for the ultimate bakery-style muffin recipe that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than these Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins. With tart cranberries, zesty orange, and rich, buttery pecans, these muffins are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty. Whether you’re preparing breakfast for your family, bringing a treat to a brunch, or simply craving a homemade pick-me-up, these muffins are guaranteed to impress.

These muffins are ideal for anyone who loves the comforting texture of a moist muffin with an exciting mix of bold flavors. They also make a stunning addition to holiday breakfasts and brunch tables, offering a fresh pop of color and a delightful seasonal taste. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to make these on repeat!

Why You’ll Love These Muffins

Bright and Fresh Flavors: The combination of tart cranberries and vibrant orange zest is simply unbeatable.
Tender and Moist: Thanks to the sour cream, these muffins stay soft and moist for days.
Perfect Crunch: The pecans add just the right amount of crunch, while the buttery streusel topping takes things over the top.
Simple to Make: No fancy equipment needed—just a few bowls and a muffin tin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Muffins:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
½ cup sour cream
1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
½ cup chopped pecans

For the Streusel Topping:

¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Kitchen Equipment Needed

12-cup muffin tin
Paper liners or non-stick spray
Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Small bowl for streusel
Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Microplane or fine grater (for zesting)
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.

2. Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup sugar, and ¼ cup chopped pecans. Stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures a tender crumb in the finished muffins.

5. Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon orange zest. Mix in ½ cup orange juice and ½ cup sour cream until smooth.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the muffins soft and fluffy.

7. Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in the 1½ cups chopped cranberries and ½ cup chopped pecans with a rubber spatula.

8. Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle a generous amount of streusel topping over each muffin.

9. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the muffins in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Muffins

Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice offers a much brighter flavor than bottled varieties.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter leads to dense muffins. Stir just until the flour disappears.
Chop the Cranberries: Coarsely chopping the cranberries helps distribute their tartness throughout the muffin.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before starting.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap the Pecans: Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully if pecans aren’t your thing.
Add White Chocolate Chips: For an extra sweet twist, fold ½ cup of white chocolate chips into the batter.
Use Dried Cranberries: If fresh or frozen cranberries aren’t available, use dried cranberries—soak them in orange juice for 10 minutes to plump them up.
Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a gluten-free version.

How to Store Leftovers

Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave for that just-baked taste.

Freezer: Freeze the cooled muffins in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.

Best Food and Drink Pairings

Beverages: These muffins pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a refreshing glass of cold milk.
Sides: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a hearty scrambled egg dish for a complete brunch spread.
Holiday Brunch: These muffins fit perfectly into a Christmas or Thanksgiving breakfast, paired with savory bacon and fresh berries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries without thawing them first?
Yes! You can use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer. Just chop them quickly and toss them in the batter. No need to thaw.

Can I skip the streusel topping?
You can, but I highly recommend keeping it. The crunchy, sweet topping makes these muffins truly special.

Can I make mini muffins instead?
Absolutely! Use a mini muffin pan and bake for about 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I substitute yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, plain full-fat Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves fresh, bakery-style treats. Easy to make yet impressively delicious, they’re ideal for breakfasts, brunches, and snacks all year round. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or a casual weekend treat, these muffins will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.

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Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins

Cranberry, Orange & Pecan Muffins: A Bright, Flavor-Packed Treat