Description
Delight in these festive Christmas muffins bursting with warm spices, zesty orange, rich chocolate, and tart dried cranberries. Soft and moist, topped with a glossy orange glaze and a sprinkle of pearl sugar, they make a perfect holiday treat for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 250g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 200g golden caster sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ nutmeg, freshly grated
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 125g unsalted butter
- 150g natural yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
Add-ins & Toppings
- 150g chocolate (white, milk or dark), chopped
- 50g dried cranberries
- 50g icing sugar
- 2 tbsp pearl sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/Gas mark 4. Line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper muffin cases to ensure easy removal and even cooking.
- Melt Butter: Gently melt the unsalted butter in the microwave or on a low heat stove setting, then allow it to cool for about 10 minutes so it doesn’t cook the eggs when mixed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the self-raising flour, bicarbonate of soda, golden caster sugar, cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This creates the spiced base for the muffins.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the cooled melted butter with natural yogurt, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and richness to the muffins.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then add the orange zest, chopped chocolate, and dried cranberries. Stir gently but thoroughly until the batter is smooth with no dry flour pockets.
- Fill Muffin Cases: Evenly divide the batter among the lined muffin cases, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the muffins are risen and golden. Test doneness by inserting a cocktail stick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with only a few crumbs. If wet batter clings, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Cool and Glaze: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for at least 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix icing sugar with enough orange juice to create a loose glaze. Brush this glaze over each muffin to add shine and citrus flavor.
- Add Final Touch: Sprinkle pearl sugar over the glazed muffins for a festive crunch if desired. Let the muffins cool completely before serving.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for up to two months to enjoy later.
Notes
- Use any type of chocolate (white, milk, or dark) depending on your preference.
- Ensure the melted butter is cooled before mixing to prevent curdling the eggs.
- For an extra citrus punch, increase the orange zest slightly.
- Pearl sugar topping is optional but adds a lovely texture and festive look.
- Check muffins at 30 minutes to avoid over-baking, which can dry them out.
- These muffins freeze well; wrap individually before freezing to retain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Christmas muffins, holiday baking, spiced muffins, orange chocolate muffins, festive treats, cranberry muffins
