These orange muffins are fluffy and bursting with citrusy flavor. With fresh orange zest and juice, they’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack anytime!
I love how easy they are to whip up! You just mix, pour, and bake. Plus, the smell of oranges while baking is like a hug for your kitchen. 🍊💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your muffins, giving them structure. If you need a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is fine, but you can substitute with coconut sugar for a richer flavor or a sugar substitute if watching calories.
Unsalted butter: If you’re out of butter, melted coconut oil works well and adds a subtle flavor. Just keep in mind it might make the muffins slightly more moist.
Whole milk: You can substitute with almond milk, soy milk, or any milk of your choice, but be mindful that flavor might slightly change.
Oranges: Freshly squeezed juice and zest brighten up the muffins. If fresh oranges are unavailable, bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh is always best!
How Can I Get My Muffins to Rise and Stay Moist?
The key to fluffy orange muffins is careful mixing and the right baking time. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven properly so the muffins rise at the right temperature.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined; overmixing can make the muffins tough.
- Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full. This allows space to rise without spilling over.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick. Remove them from the oven as soon as it comes out clean to prevent overbaking.
Enjoy your baking, and don’t forget to savor that amazing orange aroma!
Delicious Orange Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 2 medium oranges
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- Additional orange zest for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious orange muffin recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, plan for about 40 minutes to an hour before you can enjoy them warm and glazed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is an important step, as a hot oven helps your muffins rise perfectly.
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will prevent the muffins from sticking after baking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter, whole milk, eggs, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixtures together until just combined. Remember, it’s okay if there are some lumps! Overmixing can make the muffins tough.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.
7. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean.
8. Cool & Prepare the Glaze:
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the muffins cool, you can make the glaze.
9. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar, if needed.
10. Drizzle and Serve:
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins and, if you like, sprinkle some additional orange zest for a lovely finish. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Now you can enjoy your moist and zesty orange muffins with a lovely glaze! Perfect for breakfast or a lovely treat anytime! 🧁🍊
Can I Use Other Citrus Fruits Instead of Oranges?
Absolutely! You can substitute oranges with lemons, limes, or even grapefruits. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change, so adjust the amount of sugar if using particularly tart fruits like lemons.
Can I Make These Muffins Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make these muffins gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Muffins?
Definitely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently after combining the wet and dry ingredients.
