Introduction
If you’re in search of a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and a burst of freshness, look no further than this delicious cranberry muffin recipe. Perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even dessert, these muffins are easy to make and full of wholesome ingredients. The sweet-tart cranberries paired with aromatic spices create a delightful experience that will please any palate. Let’s dive into the specifics of this delightful recipe!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1¾ cups (210 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (6 grams) baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
¾ cup (170 grams) milk, room temperature
½ cup (114 grams) plain Greek yogurt, room temperature
2 large eggs (100 grams), room temperature
1 teaspoon (4 grams) pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon (2 grams) almond extract
2 cups (232 grams) fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons (23 grams) turbinado sugar (optional, for topping)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
18-20 minutes
Total Time
33-35 minutes
Yield
12 muffins
Enjoy your baking adventure with these delightful cranberry muffins, and savor every bite of this scrumptious treat!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1¾ cups (210 grams) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup (113 grams) of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup (200 grams) of granulated sugar, ¾ cup (170 grams) of room temperature milk, ½ cup (114 grams) of room temperature plain Greek yogurt, 2 large room temperature eggs, 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of pure vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon (2 grams) of almond extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix them together gently until just combined; avoid over-mixing to ensure your muffins remain tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries
Add 2 cups (232 grams) of fresh cranberries to the batter. Gently fold them in using a spatula to distribute the cranberries evenly throughout the mixture without breaking them.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners. Divide the batter evenly among the cups of the greased muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
Step 7: Add Topping (Optional)
If desired, sprinkle 2 tablespoons (23 grams) of turbinado sugar over the tops of the muffins to create a sweet, crunchy crust.
Step 8: Bake the Muffins
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
Ingredient Temperature
Ensure that the milk, Greek yogurt, and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
Storage
Store the baked muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a longer shelf life. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and make a delightful breakfast or snack.
Cranberry Substitution
If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can use frozen cranberries, but do not thaw them before adding them to the batter.
Cook techniques
Whisking
Whisking is essential for combining dry ingredients such as flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to ensure an even distribution and prevent clumping.
Melting Butter
Melt the butter until it’s fully liquid to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other wet ingredients, creating a cohesive batter.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to tough muffins.
Folding
Gently fold in cranberries to avoid breaking them and ensure even distribution throughout the batter without overmixing.
Greasing the Muffin Tin
Properly greasing the muffin tin helps prevent the muffins from sticking and allows for easy removal after baking.
Baking Time
Keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean when the muffins are fully baked.
FAQ
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or regular yogurt, keeping in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Are there any alternatives to turbinado sugar for the topping?
You can use regular granulated sugar or brown sugar as an alternative for sprinkling on top.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but do not thaw them before folding them into the batter to prevent excess moisture.
How can I store leftover muffins?
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Conclusion
This delightful cranberry muffin recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, enhanced by the warm spices and rich flavors of vanilla and almond extracts. The moist texture achieved through the use of Greek yogurt and butter makes these muffins a delightful addition to any breakfast or snack time. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the burst of fresh cranberries in every bite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cranberry Orange Muffins
Replace half the cranberries with fresh orange zest and juice for a zesty twist.
Nutty Cranberry Muffins
Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Chip Cranberry Muffins
Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the cranberries for a delightful sweet and tart combination.
Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Muffins
Add diced apples to the batter along with an extra teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm fall flavor.
Cranberry Lemon Muffins
Combine cranberries with fresh lemon juice and zest for a refreshing citrusy muffin.
Cranberry Coconut Muffins
Fold in shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist on classic cranberry muffins.
