These orange muffins are fluffy and bursting with zesty flavor! They are perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack any time of the day.
With a bright citrus scent, these muffins make your kitchen smell amazing. I love enjoying one warm, maybe with a little butter. Yum! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard for these muffins, giving them a soft texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with browning. You can replace it with coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option, but it may darken the muffins.
Milk: Whole milk is ideal for richness, but you can substitute with any milk, like almond or oat milk, if you need a dairy-free alternative.
Unsalted Butter: This adds moisture and flavor. You could use vegetable oil if you’re out of butter; it will keep the muffins moist but change the flavor slightly.
Oranges: Freshly squeezed juice and zest pack in flavor. If fresh oranges aren’t available, bottled orange juice will work, but fresh is always best for zest!
How Do I Ensure My Muffins Are Fluffy?
The key to fluffy orange muffins lies in how you mix the batter. Be gentle when folding the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix the dry ingredients first, then combine them with the wet ingredients.
- Use a spatula to fold them together gently until just combined. Small lumps are okay!
- Fill the muffin cups about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
Another tip is to not open the oven door while baking for the first 15 minutes, as this helps them rise nicely!
Orange Muffins with Citrus Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Muffins:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice
- Orange zest for garnish
Optional Topping:
- Crumble streusel or coarse sugar for sprinkling
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep and 18-22 minutes to bake these tasty muffins. Don’t forget to allow an extra 5-10 minutes for cooling before you glaze them!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, crack the eggs and beat them well. Then add the milk, melted butter, orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—just until everything is wet and combined!
5. Fill Muffin Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This allows them to rise without spilling over.
6. Add Toppings (Optional):
If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle some crumbled streusel or coarse sugar on top of the batter before baking.
7. Bake the Muffins:
Put the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Do a toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin and check if it comes out clean.
8. Cool Before Glazing:
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Glaze:
While the muffins are cooling, mix the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice in a small bowl. Stir until you have a smooth, slightly thick glaze.
10. Add the Orange Glaze:
Drizzle the glaze over the warm muffins, and for added flavor, sprinkle some extra orange zest on top.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Let the glaze set for a moment before serving. You can enjoy these delicious orange muffins warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack any time!
These muffins have a moist, tender crumb and a lovely glaze that makes them so special. Happy baking! 🍊
Can I Substitute Whole Milk with Almond Milk?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk or any other non-dairy milk in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a plain, unsweetened option for the best flavor outcome.
How Do I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well before freezing!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Muffins?
Sure! Feel free to mix in some add-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or walnuts for extra flavor and texture. Just keep the total add-ins to about 1 cup to maintain the muffin’s consistency.
What Should I Do If My Muffins Are Too Dense?
If your muffins turn out dense, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter. Next time, gently fold the ingredients together just until they’re combined. Avoid stirring too vigorously to keep them light and fluffy!
