These Orange Muffins are light, fluffy, and packed with the refreshing flavor of fresh oranges. Perfect for a bright and zesty start to your morning or an afternoon snack, these muffins are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
HOW TO MAKE ORANGE MUFFINS:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners to make cleanup easier and ensure the muffins come out of the pan cleanly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly combined and will distribute well throughout the batter.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh orange juice, milk, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. The orange juice and zest provide the muffins with their vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the muffins dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without spilling over the edges.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool the Muffins
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the muffins from becoming soggy as they cool.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: Using fresh orange juice and zest will give the muffins the best, brightest flavor. Avoid using bottled juice, as it may lack the fresh citrus taste.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing them into the batter.
- Don’t Overfill: Only fill the muffin cups about 2/3 full to give the muffins room to rise without spilling over.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 28-30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
NOTES:
- Extra Zing: For a more intense orange flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of orange extract to the batter.
- Topping Ideas: Add a sprinkle of sugar or a glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice to the tops of the muffins for a sweet finish.
- Storage: These muffins will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use store-bought if needed. Just be sure to select a high-quality, pulp-free orange juice.
How do I prevent my muffins from sticking to the liners?
You can spray the liners with a little non-stick cooking spray before filling them, or use parchment paper liners which naturally prevent sticking.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store your Orange Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, place the muffins in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
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Orange Muffins
Description
These Orange Muffins are light, fluffy, and packed with the refreshing flavor of fresh oranges. Perfect for a bright and zesty start to your morning or an afternoon snack, these muffins are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners to make cleanup easier and ensure the muffins come out of the pan cleanly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly combined and will distribute well throughout the batter.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh orange juice, milk, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. The orange juice and zest provide the muffins with their vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the muffins dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without spilling over the edges.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool the Muffins
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the muffins from becoming soggy as they cool.
Notes
- Extra Zing: For a more intense orange flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of orange extract to the batter.
- Topping Ideas: Add a sprinkle of sugar or a glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice to the tops of the muffins for a sweet finish.
- Storage: These muffins will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can freeze them for up to 2 months.