Orange Chocolate Muffins with Cranberries

These muffins combine the bright, zesty flavor of fresh oranges with rich chocolate and a tart burst of cranberries for a delightful treat. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, they’re easy to make and sure to please everyone.

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TIME40 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

Orange Chocolate Muffins with Cranberries

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 cup dried cranberries 1 tablespoon grated orange zest ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 cup boiling water ½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup vegetable oil 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get a 12-cup muffin tin ready by greasing it or lining it with paper liners. In a small bowl, combine the cranberries, orange zest, and baking soda, then pour boiling water over them. Let this sit for about 5 minutes while you get everything else together. Next, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the cranberry mixture to this and give it a good stir to combine. In another bowl, mix the flour and baking powder, then gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips. Scoop the batter evenly into your muffin tin, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden and spring back when you lightly press the tops. Let them cool a bit before digging in!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Gently fold in the cranberries to avoid breaking them and turning the batter pink.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the muffins light and tender.

Why you’ll love it

These muffins combine the bright, zesty flavor of orange with the rich taste of chocolate and the tartness of cranberries. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite. Plus, they are moist and fluffy, making them a great treat for breakfast or a snack.

Serving ideas

Serve warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese for extra richness. They also pair well with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple orange glaze.

Storage & leftovers

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly before serving.