Christmas Cranberry and Chocolate Muffins Recipe

Introduction

These festive Christmas muffins are packed with warming spices, juicy cranberries, and chunks of chocolate, making them a perfect holiday treat. The orange glaze adds a bright, tangy finish that complements the rich flavors inside. Ideal for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea during the season.

Ingredients

• 125g unsalted butter
• 250g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 200g golden caster sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ nutmeg, freshly grated
• 150g natural yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 medium eggs
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 150g chocolate (white, milk or dark), chopped
• 50g dried cranberries
• 50g icing sugar
• 2 tbsp pearl sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4 and line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper cases.
2. Step 2: Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small pan over low heat, then set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, golden caster sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, combine the yogurt, vanilla extract, eggs, and the cooled butter. Stir well.
5. Step 5: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients along with the orange zest, chopped chocolate, and dried cranberries. Mix until there are no pockets of flour, but do not overmix.
6. Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin cases.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30 minutes or until the muffins are risen and golden. Insert a cocktail stick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they are done. If not, bake for another 5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and cool in the tin for at least 10 minutes.
9. Step 9: Mix the icing sugar with enough orange juice to form a loose glaze. Brush this over the top of each muffin and sprinkle with pearl sugar if desired.
10. Step 10: Allow the muffins to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Swap dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots for a different fruity twist.
• Use your favorite type of chocolate or a mix for extra variety.
• For a dairy-free option, replace butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based yogurt.
• Adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans adds a nice crunch.

Storage

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They can also be frozen for up to two months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes, but you’ll need to add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to the plain flour to help the muffins rise properly.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the muffins immediately after mixing the batter to ensure maximum rise and freshness. If necessary, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 2 hours before baking.

Christmas Cranberry and Chocolate Muffins Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 185 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x

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Description

Delight in these festive Christmas muffins, bursting with warm cinnamon, fresh orange zest, and chunks of your choice of chocolate. Dried cranberries add a tart contrast, while a delicate orange glaze topped with pearl sugar gives a beautiful finishing touch. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or as a sweet treat at any time during the season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 125g unsalted butter
• 150g natural yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 medium eggs
• 1 orange, zested and juiced

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

Add-ins and Toppings

• 150g chocolate (white, milk or dark), chopped
• 50g dried cranberries
• 50g icing sugar
• 2 tbsp pearl sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Heat the oven to 180C (160C fan) or gas mark 4 and line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper muffin cases to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Melt Butter: Gently melt the unsalted butter either in the microwave or over a low heat on the stovetop. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes to prevent cooking the eggs when mixed later.
3. 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. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly throughout.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the cooled melted butter with natural yogurt, vanilla extract, eggs, and the orange zest. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth mixture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and add the chopped chocolate and dried cranberries. Fold everything together gently until there are no pockets of flour, taking care not to overmix to keep the muffins light and tender.
6. Fill Muffin Cases: Evenly divide the batter among the 12 prepared paper cases in the muffin tray.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the muffins have risen and turned golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a cocktail stick into the center of a muffin; if batter sticks, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Cool in the Tin: Remove from oven and allow the muffins to cool in the tray for at least 10 minutes, which helps them set and makes removal easier.
9. Prepare Orange Glaze: Mix the icing sugar with enough fresh orange juice (from the zested orange) to create a loose glaze.
10. Glaze and Decorate: Brush the orange glaze onto each cooled muffin and sprinkle with pearl sugar if using for an extra festive crunch and sparkle.
11. Final Cooling and Storage: Let the muffins cool completely before serving. 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 you prefer—white, milk, or dark—to tailor the flavor to your taste.
• Ensure the butter is cooled before mixing with eggs to avoid curdling.
• Gently fold the batter to keep muffins fluffy and avoid toughness from overmixing.
• Pearl sugar is optional but adds a lovely crunch and decorative finish.
• These muffins freeze well; individually wrap them to prevent freezer burn.
• Test muffins with a skewer for doneness to avoid under or over baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: Christmas muffins, holiday baking, festive muffins, chocolate muffins, cinnamon muffins, orange glaze, dried cranberries