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orange cranberry muffins

Orange Cranberry Muffin Tops

These orange cranberry muffin tops capture the best part of a muffin—the golden, tender, citrus-kissed tops. Quick to make and bursting with bright orange flavor and tart cranberries, they're perfect for summer mornings, brunches, or on-the-go treats.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 muffins
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients:
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • Add-Ins:
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or ¾ cup chopped fresh cranberries
  • Optional: sanding sugar or raw sugar for topping

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • ¼-cup scoop or large spoon
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk sugar, egg, melted butter, yogurt, vanilla, orange zest, and juice until smooth.
  4. Combine: Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined—do not overmix.
  5. Add cranberries: Fold in cranberries (soak and drain dried ones for extra plumpness if desired).
  6. Scoop: Drop ¼-cup portions of batter onto baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Gently shape tops if needed. Sprinkle with optional sugar topping.
  7. Bake: 12–15 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Let rest 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

You can swap dried cranberries for fresh (¾ cup), just add a bit more sugar to balance tartness.
Avoid dark baking sheets for even browning.