If you’re looking for a treat that’s as festive as it is flavorful, cranberry muffins are the perfect choice. Bursting with juicy cranberries and balanced by a soft, fluffy crumb, these muffins make a delightful addition to breakfast, brunch, or snack time. Whether you prefer baking with fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, or want to try cranberry muffins with Ocean Spray cranberries, this recipe covers it all.
These muffins are versatile enough for holiday mornings, weekday breakfasts, or to tuck into lunchboxes. Best of all, this cranberry muffin recipe is simple, beginner-friendly, and packed with seasonal charm. For another seasonal favorite, try these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies that are soft, spiced, and holiday-ready.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Muffin Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why this recipe will become one of your go-to bakes. The sweet-tart flavor stands out with cranberries providing a refreshing zing that pairs perfectly with the lightly sweet muffin base. It’s quick and easy, falling into the category of cranberry muffins recipes easy to prepare with minimal effort. They are perfect for breakfast and make a cozy addition to fresh cranberry breakfast recipes. The recipe is endlessly adaptable—you can add pecans, switch fresh for dried cranberries, or use a trusted brand like Ocean Spray cranberries. Plus, these muffins are freezer-friendly so you can bake ahead and enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
If you’re building out a breakfast menu, you may also love these Strawberry Protein Pancakes for a high-energy start to the day.
Ingredients for Cranberry Muffins
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk or buttermilk for extra tenderness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange (optional for brightness)
Fruits & Add-Ins
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries, or substitute with 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans, optional for a cranberry and pecan twist
If you’re using packaged cranberries like Ocean Spray, the flavor will be slightly sweeter and more consistent in every bite. This makes it perfect for a cranberry muffin recipe with Ocean Spray when fresh cranberries aren’t available.
For another fruit-forward bake, try these Apple Fritter Donuts for a sweet autumn treat.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make these fresh cranberry muffins recipes come together easily, you’ll need two mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, a wooden spoon or spatula, a 12-cup muffin tin, paper liners or cooking spray, and a cooling rack.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your muffin tin with paper liners or lightly greasing it. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. The secret to tender muffins is not to overmix—lumpy batter is perfectly fine.
Next, fold in the cranberries and, if desired, pecans. If you’re using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes first to keep them plump. Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle a little sugar on top for a sparkling crust if you like.
Bake the muffins for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
If you like cozy seasonal bakes, these Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting will also become a favorite.
Fresh Cranberry Muffins Recipes vs. Dried Cranberry Muffins Recipes
Both fresh and dried cranberries work beautifully, but they create different textures. Fresh cranberry muffins recipes deliver juicy, tart bursts in every bite and are best when cranberries are in season. Dried cranberry muffins recipes provide a sweeter, chewier texture and are convenient year-round. If you’re a beginner baker, dried cranberries might be a good starting point since they’re more forgiving in the batter.
Easy Variations of Cranberry Muffins
There are plenty of ways to make this cranberry muffin recipe your own. Try cranberry and pecan by adding chopped nuts for richness. Bake cranberry muffins with Ocean Spray cranberries for reliable tart-sweet flavor. Create orange cranberry muffins by adding zest and juice for a citrusy twist, or give them a holiday feel by stirring in cinnamon and nutmeg.
Another festive variation you might enjoy are these Pumpkin Truffles which make a great holiday treat alongside muffins.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Muffins Recipes Easy
Avoid overmixing the batter, which leads to dense muffins. Use buttermilk instead of milk for a tender crumb and slight tang. Toss cranberries in a little flour before folding them into the batter to keep them from sinking. Bake at 375°F for golden tops and fluffy centers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking dries out muffins quickly, so keep an eye on them. Don’t skip orange zest—its brightness complements cranberries beautifully. If using dried cranberries, always soak them first; otherwise, they’ll taste hard. And if using frozen cranberries, add them directly to the batter without thawing to prevent streaking.
Fresh Cranberry Breakfast Recipes
Cranberry muffins are a great example of fresh cranberry breakfast recipes. Serve them with yogurt and granola, fresh fruit salad, or a hot cup of tea or coffee. They also make wonderful grab-and-go student breakfast ideas on busy mornings. For another breakfast-friendly idea, try these Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bakes.
Cranberry Muffins with Ocean Spray Cranberries
Ocean Spray cranberries are a dependable option when fresh fruit isn’t available. A cranberry muffin recipe with Ocean Spray dried cranberries delivers sweetness and chewiness, while Ocean Spray frozen cranberries offer tart, juicy bursts. Either option works beautifully for weekday breakfasts or festive brunch tables.
Storage and Freezing Tips
At room temperature, muffins keep well in an airtight container for up to three days. Refrigerate for up to five days, though they may dry slightly. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the oven.
If you’re into freezer-friendly recipes, you’ll also love these Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches for quick mornings.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
For a rustic breakfast table, arrange muffins in a basket lined with linen. Dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch during the holidays. Serve warm with butter, cream cheese, or even a light drizzle of honey. They’re also great tucked into snack boxes or gifted in a tin for a homemade holiday treat.
Pair them with other seasonal desserts like this Apple Crisp with Oatmeal for a cozy autumn spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh? Yes, use one cup dried cranberries for every one and a half cups of fresh. Soak them first for best results.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but the muffins will still be delicious.
How do I keep muffins moist? Don’t overbake, and consider adding sour cream or yogurt to the batter for extra tenderness.
Can I double this recipe? Absolutely—just double the ingredients and bake in batches.
For more cozy bakes, try this Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl that’s perfect for gifting.
Final Thoughts on Cranberry Muffins
These cranberry muffins bring together everything we love about homemade baking: ease, flavor, and versatility. From fresh cranberry muffins recipes to cranberry and pecan variations or even a cranberry muffin recipe with Ocean Spray cranberries, there’s a version for everyone. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday gatherings, these muffins are a timeless bake worth making again and again.
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Sweet & Tangy Cranberry Muffins You’ll Want to Bake Every Week
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Description
These Sweet & Tangy Cranberry Muffins are bursting with tart cranberries balanced by just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep, this easy muffin recipe can be made with fresh, frozen, or dried cranberries. Light, moist, and versatile, they’re the kind of treat you’ll bake again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (or 1 cup dried cranberries)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: zest of 1 orange for cranberry orange muffins
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Heat to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with butter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine: Pour wet mixture into dry and fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add cranberries: Fold in cranberries (and pecans if using). Toss fresh cranberries with a little flour before folding to prevent sinking.
- Fill muffin cups: Divide batter evenly, filling about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Toss fresh cranberries in flour to prevent sinking.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for golden bakery-style muffins.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep muffins light.
- Frozen cranberries don’t need to be thawed before baking.
- Optional add-ins like orange zest or pecans add extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
Keywords: Cranberry Muffins, Fresh Cranberry Muffins Recipes, Dried Cranberry Muffins Recipes, Cranberry Orange Muffins, Cranberry and Pecan Muffins, Ocean Spray Cranberry Muffins
