Okay, picture this: What is the It’s a chilly December morning, the Christmas tree lights are twinkling, and the smell of warm air lingers. What are spices wafting from the kitchen? What is the magic of these Christmas muffins? What are some little bites of holiday cheer? Think of them as the cozier, more festive cousin of classic spice muffins – packed with cranberries, topped with cinnamon and toasted almonds. What are some of the best ways to brighten up your day with walnuts and orange zest? What are some of the best coffee cake recipes? What are some good cranberries to serve with a hot cup of cocoa? What’s the best thing about making these? They’re easy to make!
What are Christmas Muffins?
What are Christmas muffins? What are some of the best spiced muffins for the holidays? Think warm cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, coupled with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of almonds. What is Christmas in every bite? What are some great holiday treats to serve as a breakfast snack? The name, of course, comes from the fact that they’re absolutely perfect to make and share during holidays. Christmas is here. I always bake a batch (or two) to give as gifts to friends and neighbors. Think of it as an edible Christmas card that tastes far better than paper.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall in love with these Christmas muffins! First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of warm spices, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts is a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for another one before you even finish the first. And, as someone who’s always looking for easy recipes, I can assure you that this one is a winner. You don’t need to be a master baker to whip up a batch of these muffins – the recipe is straightforward and foolproof. What I love most about this recipe is how budget-friendly it is. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive and easy to find, so you can bake a delicious treat without breaking the bank. Plus, these muffins are incredibly versatile! You can enjoy them as is, or you can add a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. They’re also perfect for gifting, taking to potlucks, or just enjoying with your family on a cozy evening. Compared to gingerbread cookies or elaborate yule logs, these muffins offer all the holiday flavor with a fraction of the effort!
How do I make Christmas Muffins?
Quick Overview
What are some easy Christmas muffins to make? How do you mix dry ingredients together, then whisk the wet ingredients in a separate bowl? Gently combine the two, fold in the cranberries and walnuts, and bake until golden brown. Is it simple? What is the beauty of this recipe? I promise you, even if you’re a novice baker, you can pull off these muffins without any hitch.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I usually use unbleached for a slightly nuttier flavor.
* 1 cup granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce this to 3/4 cup if you prefer less sweetness.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder: This gives the muffins their lovely rise.
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This helps with browning and adds a subtle tang.
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic Christmas flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: A little bit of spice is always welcome!
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a pinch for that quintessential holiday aroma.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* 1 cup milk: I’ve tested this with almond milk, and it actually makes it even creamier!
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
* 2 large eggs: Adds richness and structure to the batter.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
* 1 teaspoon orange zest: This adds a bright, citrusy note that really elevates the muffins.
For the Filling:
* 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: If using frozen, don’t thaw them. * 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: What are some good substitutes for pecans?
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: For a smooth and sweet glaze. * 2-3 tablespoons milk: Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to a blender and blend until smooth. Optional, but adds a nice touch of flavor.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with cooking spray. I always use paper liners because they make it so much easier to remove the muffins later, and clean up is a breeze!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Set aside. What are some good spices to add to Make sure everything is well combined so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the recipe. I like to use a whisk to ensure there are no lumps of flour.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Set aside. Is it important to use room temperature eggs for this step, as they will incorporate more easily into the egg yolk. If your milk is too cold, make sure it isn’t too hot or it could cause the oil to solidify.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough muffins. A few lumps are okay! I always stop mixing when I still see streaks of flour in the batter.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, toss the cranberries and walnuts with a tablespoon of flour. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking. I find that this step is crucial for getting an even distribution of cranberries and walnuts throughout the muffins.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Gently fold the cranberry and walnut mixture into the muffin batter. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full. If you want to get fancy, you can create a swirl pattern on top of the muffins by using a toothpick or skewer. Simply insert the toothpick into the batter and swirl it around a few times.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly touched. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary. I always start checking for doneness around 18 minutes.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the muffins are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) in a small bowl. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. Once the muffins are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops. I like to use a spoon to drizzle the glaze evenly over the muffins.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, the muffins are ready to slice (or just grab and eat!) and serve. These Christmas muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To warm them up, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
What should I serve it with?
Christmas muffins are so versatile! I’ve even been known to crumble them over vanilla Ice Cream for a simple yet delicious dessert.
For Breakfast:Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an easy breakfast. I love serving them with a side of fresh fruit for supper.
For Brunch:Arrange the muffins on a platter with other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. Fruit for a beautiful and delicious spread. What is the perfect accompaniment to a glass of orange juice?
As Dessert: Serve the muffins as a simple and satisfying dessert after a holiday meal. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream would take them to the next level.
What are some of the best cozyWhat are some good muffins to serve with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine? What is the best way to enjoy a cold winter day? My family has a tradition of eating these while decorating the tree.
How do I make a perfect Christmas Muffin?
What are some tricks to make Christmas muffins? What are some tips for perfecting muffins?
Zucchini Prep: Don’t skip the step of tossing the cranberries and walnuts with flour. This will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins during baking and ensure they are evenly distributed throughout. I’ve found that a light coating works best – too much flour and you might taste it.
Mixing Advice:Do not overmix muffins. Overmixing can result in a tough muffin. Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay! Is it safe to use melted butter instead of oil? Is it true that muffins are richer?
Swirl CustomizationWhat are some of the best spices to use in muffins? What are some good ways to add cardamom or allspice to your meal? Can you add other mix-ins such as chopped pecans, raisins, or chocolate chips?
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have fresh cranberries on hand, you can use frozen cranberries. Just be sure to add them to the batter while they are still frozen. You can also substitute the walnuts with other nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts. I once tried it with chopped dried apricots and that was delicious too!
Baking Tips: For best results, use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is accurately calibrated. Ovens can vary in temperature, and this can affect the baking time. I always bake my muffins on the middle rack of the oven.
Glaze Variations:If you want to add a little extra flavor to the glaze, try using almond extract. What is lemon extract? Is it necessary to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
These Christmas muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here’s how to properly store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, place a piece of bread in the container with the muffins. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and prevent the muffins from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before serving, let them come to room temperature or warm them up in the microwave. I find that refrigerating them makes them slightly denser, but they still taste delicious.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the muffins, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. To reheat them, wrap them in foil and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. I always let them cool completely before freezing.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the muffins, it’s best to wait to glaze them until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving during storage. If you’ve already glazed the muffins, you can still store them, but the glaze may not look as pretty after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Christmas muffins are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of holiday tradition. The incredible flavor, surprising ease, and family-friendly nature of these muffins make them a must-bake during the Christmas season. Whether you’re baking them for a festive breakfast, a cozy snack, or a thoughtful gift, these muffins are sure to bring joy to everyone who tries them. They’re honestly so easy that they have become a tradition in my own house! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other muffin recipes for more delicious baking inspiration! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations of this recipe. I’d love to see what you come up with!
Christmas Muffins
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.75 cups Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup Chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Fill each muffin liner about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
