Cranberry Orange Muffins With Pecans

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Updated 08/02/19
Cranberry orange muffins

 

Svitlana Romanenko / Getty Images 
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 18 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
179 Calories
10g Fat
21g Carbs
3g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 18
Amount per serving
Calories 179
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g 12%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 27mg 9%
Sodium 264mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 21g 8%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Protein 3g
Calcium 126mg 10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Orange zest adds bright flavor to these tasty cranberry muffins. The muffins are made with fresh cranberries. Chopped pecans or walnuts add texture. Consider toasting the pecans or walnuts for some extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar (divided)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange peel

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Heat the oven to 400 F.

  3. Grease muffin cups or line with cupcake papers (about 18).

  4. Toss the cranberries with 1/4 cup of sugar in a bowl; set aside.

  5. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining 1 cup sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  6. In another bowl combine eggs with milk; stir into flour mixture until just moistened.

  7. Gently fold in nuts and orange peel and cranberries.

  8. Fill the prepared muffin cups about two-thirds full.

  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

Tips and Variations

  • Add extra orange zest and some orange extract for more orange flavor.

  • To toast the pecans or walnuts, spread them out in a baking pan in a single layer. Bake in a preheated 350 F oven for about 6 to 10 minutes, turning and stirring frequently. Transfer them to another pan or bowl to cool. When they're done they will look slightly darker and will have a toasted aroma.

  • Sprinkle the muffins with cinnamon sugar just before baking.