These fluffy cranberry orange muffins will make your house smell like the holidays! I hope they become your new favorite holiday muffin recipe. They’re fluffy and moist and delicious—everything I want a muffin to be.
These muffins are bursting with fresh cranberry and orange flavor. This recipe calls for fresh cranberries, which are generally available in United States grocery stores from October or November through December. You can also use frozen cranberries, but I don’t recommend dried cranberries here.
These muffins are made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt. They’re naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup. You can keep those details to yourself, though—no one will guess that these muffins are healthier than most.
You can easily mix these together by hand. No mixer required. Serve them for breakfast or brunch, or bring them to your holiday parties!
It took me eight tries to get these muffins just right, but they were absolutely worth the effort. I’m sharing the recipe again because they’re just so wonderful this time of year.
Cranberry Orange Muffin Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cranberry-studded beauties:
Flour
I like to use white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour to make these muffins a little healthier. White whole wheat flour (available in health food stores or well-stocked grocery stores) is made with white wheat berries instead of red, and has a more mild flavor as a result. As long as your whole wheat flour hasn’t been sitting on the shelf too long, your muffins will not have a strong “whole wheat” taste. In fact, if your flour smells rancid or your muffins taste bitter, your flour has gone bad.
You can also use all-purpose flour for the most traditional muffin flavor and fluff. To make these muffins gluten free, choose Bob’s Red Mill’s gluten-free all-purpose blend. No adjustment to quantity needed with either one.
Tip: The proper way to measure flour is to spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off the top with a knife. Do not scoop flour into your cups, or you could end up with way too much flour, and dry/tough muffins.
Baking powder and baking soda
These are leavening agents, which help the muffins rise so they are light and fluffy. These ingredients are not the same thing and are not interchangeable, so be careful with your measurements!
Coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil or butter
Like all muffins, this recipe requires some fat to yield tender, rich and delicious results. I typically use virgin coconut oil and can hardly taste it. If you use olive oil, I recommend a mildly flavored one, like California Olive Ranch’s Everyday variety. You certainly can’t go wrong with unsalted butter.
Honey or maple syrup
Instead of sugar, these muffins are naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup! These do impart some delicious flavor, so choose your favorite.
Eggs
Eggs also act as a leavener, helping the muffins rise while also imparting richness. If you have an egg allergy or you’re a vegan, you can substitute flax eggs (see recipe notes).
Greek yogurt
Yogurt replaces sour cream, but offers the same delicious richness and tang. Yum! Check the recipe notes for a buttermilk alternative (which can be made vegan).
Vanilla extract
You know, for some luscious vanilla flavor.
Orange zest
The zest of one orange to infuse these muffins with flavor. After you take the zest off the orange, you can slice it up and eat it. I do recommend buying on organic orange if you can find one, since pesticide residue sticks to the rind.
Fresh cranberries
One bag is more than enough. You’ll blitz these in the food processor before folding them into the batter. If you’re using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before using. Blitz them in the food processor as directed and promptly fold them into the batter. If you have leftover cranberries, you can freeze them for up to one year.
Dried cranberries are not a good substitute for fresh cranberries, for reasons elaborated in the next section.
Turbinado (raw) sugar
This is optional, but I recommend it. Turbinado sugar is large crystal sugar that lends an irresistible sparkling, crunchy top to the muffins. I bet you could even take a tiny bag of raw sugar home from your local coffee shop!
Cranberry Orange Muffin Recipe Development
I thought this recipe was going to be so easy. Take my blueberry muffin recipe, substitute cranberries for the blueberries, add orange zest—done. Not so fast, Kate!
Problem: The fresh cranberries were so much bigger than blueberries and so tart that they left mouth-puckering polka dots in the muffins. Fortunately, I found a clue in America’s Test Kitchen’s cranberry muffin recipe.
Solution: Blitz the fresh cranberries in a food processor for a few seconds to break them up. That way, you get delicious little bits of cranberries in every bite. This also allowed me to double the amount of cranberries for maximum cranberry flavor.
Problem: The muffins were still far too tart, though (and I like tart).
Solution: To counteract the tartness of the cranberries, I added 1/4 cup more honey or maple syrup, which made these muffins perfectly sweet—not too much, not too little.
Problem: The extra moisture from the additional liquid sweetener made the muffins flatten out on the top. I wanted beautifully domed, fluffy muffins, so I tried decreasing the amount of yogurt, tweaking the baking powder and baking soda, and I was almost ready to give up…
Solution: I went back to the original formula and added 1/4 cup more flour. The muffins rose like a dream!
Eight tries later, I landed on perfect cranberry orange muffins! I hope you’ll make them while cranberries are still in season.
Watch How to Make Fluffy Cranberry Orange Muffins
Recommended Equipment
This section contains affiliate links.
USA-made muffin tin: This sturdy muffin tin bakes beautiful muffins and has a non-toxic, non-stick silicone coating. I never have to grease the cups!
11-cup food processor: This Cuisinart is not too big or too small, and blitzes the cranberries in five seconds.
Microplane: It’s so easy to remove the zest from citrus with this handy tool.
Love these muffins?
Here are more of my favorite naturally sweetened, whole-wheat muffin recipes!
- Healthy Apple Muffins
- Healthy Banana Muffins
- Healthy Blueberry Muffins
- Healthy Carrot Muffins
- Healthy Raspberry Muffins
- Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
- Healthy Zucchini Muffins
Please let me know how these muffins turn out for you in the comments! I love hearing from you, and hope the recipe is a big hit.
Fresh Cranberry Orange Muffins
- Author: Cookie and Kate
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Baked good
- Method: By hand
- Cuisine: American
These cranberry muffins will be your family’s new favorite! Don’t tell them the recipe calls for healthy ingredients. These fluffy muffins are bursting with fresh cranberry and orange flavor, plus they’re whole grain and naturally sweetened! Recipe yields 12 muffins.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil or melted unsalted butter
- ¾ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 eggs, preferably at room temperature
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt*
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest from 1 medium orange (about 1 teaspoon), preferably organic
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (also called raw sugar), for sprinkling on top
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease all 12 cups of your muffin tin or line them with papers, if necessary.
- In a food processor, process the cranberries for about 5 seconds, until they are broken into little bits (but not puréed—see photos). Set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.
-
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oil and honey and beat together with a whisk. Add the eggs and whisk to combine, then add the yogurt, vanilla and orange zest. Mix well.
-
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix with a big spoon, just until combined (a few lumps are ok). Gently fold the cranberry pieces into the batter.
-
Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups (they will be quite full). Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with turbinado sugar. Bake the muffins for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the muffins are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.
-
Place the muffin tin on a cooling rack to cool. You might need to run a butter knife along the outer edge of the muffins to loosen them from the pan. If you have leftover muffins, store them, covered, at room temperature for 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze leftover muffins for up to 3 months.
Notes
Recipe adapted from my healthy blueberry muffins.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
ramya
Hello, it’s an amazing receipe with a healthier version. Can I substitute yogurt with sour cream please?
Kate
Hi! I haven’t tried it, but it may work. Be sure to report back!
Chui Chui
Hi Kate,
Possible to give the measurment in grams?
Sue
Mine came out light and fluffy using plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey and white whole wheat flour. My husband says they are somewhat bitter and not quite sweet enough. Used the one medium sized organic orange for zest and didn’t scrape too deeply. Is there anything else I can add to add a little more sweetness? Thanks.
Armida
I add 3 tbsp sugar to the dry ingredients. This did the trick.
Pauline
I should think the orange juice would be good for taste and sweetness
The problem is the extra liquid
Since I plan to do them using whole meal Spelt flour it might not be a problem since this flour absorbs liquid more than blotting paper
Debbie
Mine turned out bitter too, but I think it was old coconut oil. Next time I will use butter. Most muffins are too sweet for me, but that’s probably what your husband is expecting.
Carol
These are wonderful I made them with King Arthur measure for measure flour substitute to be gluten free. Cranberry and orange are always a good combination. I’ve got breakfast ready for the week.
Corita
My family LOVES these muffins, which truly live up to their name! I incorporate the chopped cranberries at the same time as the liquid so I don’t have to stir twice. And for an economical alternative, I use a different natural sweetener: panela (unrefined cane sugar in blocks), available where Latin American foods are sold. There are dark colored versions, but I prefer the lighter one. You can cook it on low in a little water to make a syrup and then use as if it were honey.
Corita
My family LOVES these muffins, which truly live up to their name! I incorporate the chopped cranberries at the same time as the liquid so I don’t have to stir twice. And for an economical alternative, I use a different natural sweetener: panela (unrefined cane sugar in blocks), available where Latin American foods are sold. There are dark colored versions, but I prefer the lighter one. You can cook it on low in a little water to make a syrup and then use as if it were honey. I always double the orange zest because its so yummy.
Janae
Such a delicious recipe and easily made egg free and dairy free.
Pooja Singal
Hi Kate! Do you have the nutritional facts for this recipe? I can’t seem to find it!
Kate
Hi! Yes, below the notes of the recipe. You need to click to expand. I hope that helps!
Sonia
Hi Kate, you have no idea how much I am loving all the recipes that I have tried from your blog. I am trying to lose my post pregnancy weight and your recipes are just perfect to satisfy my sweet tooth guilt free.
This particular recipe has been the best of all so far.
Just wanted to say thank you for giving us such amazing recipes especially for vegetarians like me. Lots of love!
phil milan
Hi there can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Thanks
phil
Kate
Hi Phil, I didn’t try it with this recipe so I can’t say for sure.
Wendy
I used frozen cranberries. The only change needed was a slightly longer baking time. Turned out great!
Dar
Just wondering… I made my own buttermilk substitute skim milk and vinegar ( 1 tablespoon)… total measurement was 1 cup. I found the recipe more liquid than you picture. I had to bake the muffins 3 mins longer for the tooth pick to come clean . They look pretty good , cooling now . I’m wondering when you add the buttermilk as opposed to the yogurt should the baking time be more?
Chui Chui
Hi Kate,
Possible to give the measurment in grams?
Kate
Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t provide gram measurements right now. I know this table has been helpful to others!
Syla
Bizarre texture and flavor
I love cranberry anything, but these were so rubbery and I think the flavor was really disrupted by the faux health friendly Ingredients. I felt like I couldn’t taste anything except coconut oil….
Kate
I’m sorry you didn’t love these, Syla.
Georgie
Rubbery texture in muffins is usually due to overmxing – try using a table knife to mix, only cutting through the mixture from one side of the bowl to the other and turning the bowl. Do not make a beating round gesture with your hand, muffins should not be beaten at all just gently mixed until combined.
Sharyn
can I use whole wheat pastry flour?
Kate
Sure, that should work here too. They will likely be more fluffy. Let me know what you think!
Kim T
Can you use dried cranberries?
Kate
Hi Kim, I haven’t tried it with this recipe so I can’t say for sure.
Judy
This is my second time making the cranberry/orange muffins. We simply love them and are a frequent on our breakfast table along side our glass of cranberry banana smoothie. I did not add anything or take away from your recipe as it is perfect just the way you made it.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful morning breakfast recipe. Sincerely. JudyAnne
Kate
I’m glad to hear you love them, Judy! Thank you for your review.
Maggie
In Australia, I couldn’t find fresh Cranberry in the market. So I used two small organic apples instead, and I also used grapeseed oil instead of olive oil. It turned up so beautiful and yummy.
Thank you Kate for posting those great recipes.
Maggie
Sharyn
i Got around to making these muffins
I used whole wheat pastry flour and they are so yummy!
I used maple syrup vs honey and evoo vs coconut oil
worked great!
into the rotation
Allison
Hello, can i sub the maple syrup for cane sugar? If so how much do i use?
Kate
Hi Allison, I recommend this as is for best results. I’m not sure if it will work well with cane sugar is it’s part of the liquid ingredients.
Elizabeth Abbason
Hi! I was wondering if you could make this recipe and use it for bread instead?
Kate
Hi Elizabeth, I haven’t tried it. You could try it, but it will need to be cooked longer.
Marilin Earl
Hi,
Can almond flour be substituted for the whole wheat flour?
Thanks,
ME
Kate
Hi Marilin, almond flour doesn’t make a great 1:1 alternative. You can try oat flour.
Kari L Chandler
We absolutely love these muffins! One of the best muffins I’ve tasted! I use olive oil and maple syrup and add some walnuts as well. I had trouble with the bottoms burning the first time I made them so now I always cook at 375 degrees and make a double batch!!
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Kari!
KERSTIN KJELLBERG
Hi Kate-I made these muffins this morning. They were a bit of sunshine on my taste buds in the cold Vermont November-and so pretty. I kept interrupting a conversation with my cousin today to tell her how good they were, so she asked for the recipe-I think she’ll soon be firing up her oven out there in CA. Thank you for this recipe! I’ll be bringing some to my parents tomorrow on Thanksgiving, as I know my father will love them, and I’ll make them again before the work week starts. Wishing you a peaceful weekend!
Kate
I’m glad they were a hit, Kerstin! I appreciate your review.
Lindsay Goss
I love all of your recipes!! This muffin recipe does not disappoint. It is a favorite among family and friends and guilt free makes it even better! Perfect Fall/Winter treat :)
Lyd Bedwell
Can I use sour cream if I’m out of yogurt
Kate
It can work in other applications. Although, I haven’t tried it here so I can’t say for sure.
Katie
Was curious if this would work well in a bunt. Turned out great!! Made this as directed (had to use 1/2 yogurt 1/2 sour cream combo) and added about 15 min to the bake time. Finished off with 3T orange juice and 1 t. powdered sugar glaze while the bunt was still warm. Love having this healthier alternative to a traditional cranberry bread! Thank you!
Maureen
Great recipe! Just-sweet-enough and perfect texture. Don’t skip the orange zest, it adds such a great pop of flavor. Thought I’d share that I made the recipe as written, using chia eggs – but baked it as a snack cake in 8×8 square pan. I adjusted baking to 350F for 35-40 minutes. Turned out super! Thank you!
Beth
OMG these came out fluffy, beautiful, and delicious. I took a chance and doubled the recipe because I had an extra bag of cranberries taking up valuable space. I followed the recipe exactly as written, except for using AP flour b/c that’s what I had on-hand. My plan was to give some away to friends, but now I think I might freeze the extra and keep them for us ;-) They’ll be a yummy bite of sunshine on cold mornings. Great recipe, thank you!
Kate
I’m glad you loved it, Beth!
Annette
Hi, I love all of your recipes! I’m curious if you think this would work if baked in a loaf tin?
Kate
Hi! I haven’t tried it. I would recommend a longer cooking time, but I’m not sure how much. Let me know what you think!
Lynn Somervile
i love your recipes and have made this muffin recipe before and loved it. But this time it didn’t rise hardly at all. The batter was very runny. Double checked the ingredients and all the same as before and new baking powder
Any suggestions
Kate
Hi Lynn, I’m sorry to hear that. It sounds like something was not measured correctly. Or, baking can be impacted if you are baking at an elevation.
Barbara B
Just made these and they’re great. I used white WW flour, maple syrup, and light-tasting olive oil. I used dried cranberries which I rehydrated in the juice of the orange I zested. Someone mentioned they weren’t sweet enough, so I added a packet of Truvia. I made six jumbo muffins and baked for 25 minutes. Perfect!
Deserie
These are really good! I made them today with a few small substitutions. I used frozen cranberries instead of fresh, vanilla Greek yogurt instead of plain, and reduced the maple syrup to half a cup since I used sweetened yogurt. I also added a few tablespoons of juice from the orange.
They were fluffy and delicious. The only change I would make for next time is using butter or coconut oil instead of olive oil. I didn’t really like the olive oil taste.
Thanks for the great recipie!
Kate
I’m glad you loved them, Deserie! I appreciate your review.
Anne
Made them with spelt flour. Still very fluffy and very tasty. It had the perfect amount of sweetness. Thanks for the great recipe.
Kate
I’m glad it turned out!
Becky
Thanks for the recipe! I swapped out the sweetener with 1/2 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup orange juice (since honey & maple syrup are really expensive by me) and it worked really well. Sweetness and moisture level still seemed right. Everything else I kept the same and I thought it was terrific. Will make again and appreciate the whole wheat flour and yogurt to ease my guilt a little :)
Kate
I’m glad it turned out, Becky! Thank you for your review.
Amanda
My daughter is very sensitive to yogurt. I’ve looked everywhere on the buttermilk adaptation on the recipe but I can’t find it. Can you please tell me how much buttermilk I need to replace the yogurt?
Kate
Hi Amanda, See from the vegan note. I hope you all enjoy these. Mix ⅔ cup non-dairy milk with 2 teaspoons vinegar. Let it rest for 5 minutes before adding it to the other liquid ingredients. Or, use 1 cup thick vegan yogurt.
Anna Fiala
Made these for first time today using regular whole-wheat flour, 2% MF plain Greek yogurt, coconut oil, 2/3 maple syrup and 1/3 honey. They turned out so beautiful, moist and delicious! This will be my go to cranberry recipe from this point on.
Appreciate all the work you did to refine and document this recipe. Incredibly helpful and was the reason my turned out perfectly on the first try.
Anna Fiala
Edmonton, Alberta
Kate
That’s great, Anna! Thank you for sharing.
Dawn
I used a can of cranberry sauce with whole berries and it worked great! I just wisked them in with wet ingredients before adding dry.
Carol
I used dried cranberries and the muffins turned out lovely. Thank you for sharing the recipe
Rosi
These turned out amazing! Moist and delicious. I used Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 flour to make them gluten-free. I went 1/2 and 1/2 on the honey and maple syrup. My cranberries were frozen (and I have a gas oven…) so my cooking time was 23 minutes. SO good. This recipe is a keeper.
Kate
Wonderful, Rosi! Thank you for your review.
Julia Jones
Loved these Cranberry Orange muffins.They are so moist and flavorful with 0 fat. Adding this recipe to my favourites. Delicious!
Lo
Can you replace fresh cranberries for dried cranberries?
Kate
I find this recipe works best as is. I hope you make it!
Allison
Hi Kate,
Can I use dried cranberries? I can find fresh or frozen.
Kate
Hi Allison, I didn’t try it so I can’t speak to how they will turn out. I hope you try this recipe as is!
Falguni
Boyfriend approved! He loves orange cranberry muffins and was very happy with this recipe!
Kate
Hooray! Thank you for sharing, Falguni.
Stacy
This is a great recipe. Made it just like it did here and it was delicious. I should have made more of the game.
Lisa
Delicious! Did the flax egg and dairy free buttermilk. Didn’t have fresh cranberries so I did the dried ones. So good!! Love it! Thank you :)
KellyH.
These have become my favorite muffin,I make them every week. I love that they use fresh cranberries instead of dried. I sometimes replace 1c.of berries for blueberries and blueberry kefir for yogurt. This week I used fresh pineapple and they always turn out delicious with any variation.I start them out on 425 for 5 min and then turn down to 400. I think that initial blast of high heat puffs them up a little more.
I recently got your cookbook and am thrilled to see so many recipes with Arugula and Farro,my two fave foods. Thank you for so many many healthy recipes,keep them coming.
Kelly hoff
These have become my favorite muffins ,that I make weekly. I love that they use fresh cranberries instead of dried and whole wheat flour. I have been subbing with 1c.blueberries in place of 1c.of cranberries
and they are delish. I also use blueberry kefir or plain sometimes instead of yogurt. No matter what variation I try they always turn out moist and delicious. I also start them out at 425 for 5 min,then turn down to 400. I think the blast of high heat raises them a little more.
I received your cookbook from a friend and love that you have a lot of recipes using farro and Arugula,my 2 favorite foods.Thank you for all the healthy recipes,keep them coming.
Jackie
These are my favorite muffins! They’re not overly sweet and have such a lovely texture.
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Jackie!
Kristy
I used dried cranberries and chopped them the same as fresh ones, I also reduced the maple syrup to 1/2 cup and used the juice from the orange. OMG… they worked out and are absolutely amazing. Liked by 5 kids and husband!!
Maureen
I can not use baking powder, only baking soda.I made your healthy banana bread and it is delish. I was thinking to increase baking soda to a full 1 Tsp. What do you think for this recipe. Maureen
Kate
Hi Maureen, sorry to disappoint. I recommend this recipe as is.
Angi
These muffins were delicious! Having the cranberries in smaller pieces meant the tartness was evenly distributed. I used 1/2 Bob’s Red Mill gluten free flour and 1/2 oat flour. The texture was great and they had the perfect level of sweetness. I omitted the sugar on top. Love all your recipes and I really appreciate the substitutions offered!
Kate
Thank you for sharing how you made this, Angi! I’m happy to hear it turned out for you.
Mindy
My family loves these muffins! I always end up having enough for 15 muffins so no complaints there.
Uma
Hi Kate, will you please do a healthy cranberry/orange bread recipe please? I keep coming back here looking for it. Thank you!!
Kate
I can’t make any promises, but I will add it to my list. You could try this in a loaf pan. If you try it, let me know!
Chris
I made these vegan, and they turned out great. In place of the honey, I used 100g of date paste and 1/2 cup of maple syrup. For the eggs, I used 3T of Just Egg and 1 flax egg (2T flax with 3T water). I used 240g of a lower protein (9.7%) whole wheat flour so they are tender but still have a good structure. I increased the baking power to 1 teaspoon for lift without the eggs. I also used vegan sour cream as that was in the refrigerator versus the yogurt. It was the same consistency so it worked well. They rose well so I was happy. I did need to bake them for approximately 20 minutes at 350 degrees to get them to an internal temp of 195. The cranberries have a nice tartness but not overwhelming just enough to announce they are there. Thank you for the great recipe.
Kate
I’m happy you enjoyed it, Chris! I appreciate your review.
Lisa
My family loves these. I substitute applesauce for most of the oil and some of the honey. I use flax eggs or 1 flax & 1 real. I add lots of walnuts. The processing of the cranberries is the secret that gets my son to eat them!
Barbara
I followed your recipe exactly. I like them; not very sweet, but that’s okay. I baked them in silicone baking cups, just slid out so easily.
Terri Rooney
Found this wonderful recipe today, and ❤️ it! I didn’t have plain Greek yoghurt, so sub’d low-fat sour cream. Also used frozen cranberries that I’ve had in freezer for a while. Took 3 minutes longer to bake but AMAZING results. I will definitely be making these for visiting family over the holidays.
Love ALL your recipes, Kate!
Kate
Great to hear, Terri! I appreciate your review.
Jill H.
Another winning recipe Kate! Loved the idea of putting the cranberries in the processor. Thanks so much for keeping it healthy but still delicious. Froze and individually wrapped so I can bring one to work and every afternoon have a little treat. Love your recipes, cookbook and blog. Thanks again!
Kate
You’re welcome, Jill! I appreciate your review.
Jennelle
My food processor is currently broken. Can these be made with whole cranberries or is there a different method to chop them?
Kate
Hi Jannelle, Do you have a blender? Or you can try to chop them small enough.
Liz
I cut mine in half and they came out perfect!
Dara L
Super yummy, fruity, moist, tender. I used spelt flour and they came out great, still quite light. These made 48 mini muffins.
Kate
I’m glad you enjoyed them, Dara! I appreciate your review.
Janet
I am not a baker. I live at high elevation. I usually think muffins are too sweet. Why I even tried this recipe is a bit of a mystery – maybe because my college daughter is bringing some friends home and I wanted to seem domestic or something.
These are awesomely perfect!! My 16-year-old son even gave me a high five. Thank you!
KJ
Delish! I mixed in a cup of walnuts and these turned out great. The walnuts added some nice texture. Not too sweet, which I appreciate.
Liz
Just made these for my 3 year old. I skipped the baking powder, used plain yogurt (not Greek), and only used 1/3c of honey. Such a hit! thank you!
Jen Schaffer
I don’t have a food processor. Do you think I can pulse the cranberries in a blender?
Kate
Hi Jen! Sure, you could try it. Let me know what you think!
Karen
I made these for the first time yesterday. I did make a couple of changes. To add a little fiber, I put in 3 tbl. of ground flax seed. Orange infused EVOO, 1 extra egg white (large eggs are now very small and 2 tbl. Orange juice because the batter thickened from the flax. These are FABULOUS! Definitely will make again. Thank you
Carol Fike
Made the cranberry orange muffins, they turned out perfect! Love that they’re healthier. I used whole wheat flour and maple syrup. Looking forward to trying more recipes.
Kate
Great to hear, Carol!
Sarah G
I’ve made your fantastic banana nut muffins and now that fresh cranberries are available, I’m hoping to make these soon! Question, in most boxed mixes, I can substitute apple sauce for oil. If I cut back the coconut oil for half oil half applesauce, would these muffins still turn out okay?
Kate
Hi! I recommend this recipe best as written. Sorry!
Whitney D
I was pleasantly surprised with how fluffy these turned out. And the tart to sweet ratio was perfect.
Kate
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Whitney! I appreciate your review.
Debra
I made this recipe earlier today. Fabulous! I had been looking for a healthier recipe for cranberries. This certainly ticked the box. Thank you.
Kate
You’re welcome, Debra! I appreciate your review.
Kath
Can I bake as mini muffins?
Kate
Sure! It should work. Just make sure you cut the baking time in half.
Kristy
These are amazing! I would normally not be drawn to the cranberry orange combo (chocolate girl, here ♀️), but I had some cranberries I needed to use. These are moist, tangy, sweet and large. I think I’ll cut back on the honey a bit next time. But these are so good, and pretty, too. You’ve changed my thoughts on cranberry orange.
Kate
I’m excited you enjoyed this recipe, Kristy! I appreciate your review.
White Raven
Could I possibly bake this in a bread pan instead of muffin tins? I’m sure it would need to bake a bit longer but would I need to adjust the temperature?
Kate
Hi! I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure. Likely the same temp, just longer time.
Laurel Griffiths
Hi Kate
I think this recipe sounds wonderful and I’m dying to try it. It’s March and the only cranberries I have are frozen. Do you think I can substitute them for the fresh? Any suggestions? Maybe process and then drain?
Thanks much.
Kate
I haven’t tried it, but I know others have and didn’t mind the results. Some did say you may have to cook them longer.
Ruthie
Good morning
My goodness- how long has this recipe been out? Been making for many years and it never fails. The fluffiness is always commented on. Save several bags of fresh cranberries in January to enjoy all year long. Thanks.
Kate
I’m so glad you have been making it for so long! Thank you for sharing, Ruthie.
KarenH
These came out excellent – light and fluffy. Followed the recipe but used sour cream instead of Greek yogurt as that was all I had on hand. Will make again. Thanks.
Lulu
I have made this recipe many times during the fall & winter, when fresh cranberries are in the stores. I mill oat flour from the oats I have in the pantry, & the muffins always come out perfectly sweet, & with such amazing pops of cranberry & orange! The texture is moist & it makes me feel good to know that they are as healthy as they are yummy. A winner!!
Kate
That’s great to hear, Lulu!
Mary
I used the Vegan Option and absolutely loved the final product, fluffy and delicious Cranberry Orange Muffins.
I opted to add 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon, 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger, 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg and 1/4 tsp Ground Cardamom.
Muffins took 30 minutes to bake.
Hannah
Very good! I was worried I wouldn’t like them since I’m not often a fan of “healthier” baking. But they’re delicious! I would use extra orange zest. I added the zest of 3 oranges to a double recipe and it was perfect.
Deb Hermanson
Delish! Made it completely vegan with your recommendations. A great breakfast, on the go, or brunch item! Added a few chopped peacans too.
Ingrid
Just today we bought some fresh Cranberries and I wanted to use some of them to bake something. Found your recipe and made them. I used 1/4 c. Maple Syrup and 1/2 c. Honey and hard white wheat. Followed the recipe.
They turned out beautifully and taste great. Just the right amount of sweetness and fluffy inside. I will definitely make them again. I want to try all of your whole wheat muffins! I love that your recipes are healthier than others. Thank you! :)
Kate
You’re welcome, Ingrid!
An
Just finished making a batch. I didn’t have enough honey so made it with half honey half maple syrup and added 1/2 tsp cinnamon otherwise followed the recipe as is.. and it was so delicious!!! It was so good that I made a second batch right after!! Baked at 400f for 19min. Thank you so much for the recipe, can’t wait for my toddler to try it!
Kate
These taste and smell so good! I added 1 tbsp of white sugar and used canola oil, everything else I kept the same!
Mary Ellen
These were fantastic! Made them with my two year old and they were forgiving of our approximate measures and sloppy stirring. We ran out of honey after 2/3 cup and they were perfect for folks looking for a less sweet muffin. We also added cinnamon for fun. Looking forward to making them again soon.
Kate
Great to hear, Mary! Thank you for your review.
Beth
These turned out light and fluffy. A big success! I added walnuts, because I add nuts to everything! I also went without orange zest, just because I didn’t have any. It was fine without.
Rebecca Swain
This is a great recipe! I used half oat flour half GF blend. Also, all I had was flavored Greek yogurt so I decreased the honey by 1/3. Additionally, because I’m cooking for a crowd, I made this in a sheet pan and cut into squares. A doubled recipe took 20 minutes to bake that way.
Laura
These made the whole house smell wonderful! The taste did not disappoint. I will be making these again! Thank you!
Kate
You’re welcome, Laura!
Julie
Cookie and Kate muffin recipes are THE BEST. I highly recommend any of them!
Kate
Thank you so much, Julie!
Gee
So yummy and fluffy! Instead of 3/4 cup of maple syrup, I’ve kept 1/4 of maple syrup and substituted 1/4 for date puree and another 1/4 cup for orange juice. Perfect and it’s got added fibre.
They freeze well and even taste better afterwards. Great recipe
Kate
Your muffins sound great, Gee! Thanks for reporting back.
Pamela Hallamore
This recipe sounds so good and as u say healthy. I follow you from the UK, so if its possible, may I make the suggestion to add metric measurements to your lovely recipes. Cup measurements I find seem to vary according to ingredient and have to rush off to find conversion table. Is that a valid suggestion. Thank you.
Kate
Hi Pamela, thank you for your feedback. That’s a totally valid suggestion. I’ve tried to find a good solution for metric and so far, haven’t found a good conversion or presentation option, but I’ll keep looking.
Cathy
I substituted 1 1/2 low fat buttermilk(1c.) for yogurt.
I use the olive oil.
Didn’t have turbinado sugar so just used granulated sugar.
Definitely not too sweet and a tad bitter. Could have used just a tad more sweetness, but is was good. I’ll add 3 tab. sugar to dry next time. I will make again!
Kate
Thanks, Cathy!
Sandra
May I use avocado oil……….
Thanks!
Love your recipes
Kate
Sure, that should work!
michele kahan
i have made so many of your recipes!!! you and Ina are my go to’s. The cranberry orange muffins are a huge hit thanks so much. Michele
Kate
That’s a serious compliment to be included with Ina. Thank you so much, Michele!
Fenna
I love your recipes. Thank you so much…and cranberry orange is one of my favorite flavor combinations. One question: any time I try to print, I do choose to NOT include the photo or the notes, or anything but the basic recipe, but regardless, it prints everything. Is there anything I can do to change this? Anyone else having this problem? At least after I see the print preview I can choose to print just two pages, for example, with this recipe, but would love to print only the parts I need.
Kate
Hi Fenna! There is a “print” button directly above the recipe card that will print the recipe only. Have you tried that?
Fenna
I have tried all the different print options and all of them include the picture, the notes, the nutrition information. I just tried again to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. Like I said, I have a workaround, but am surprised no one else is running into this issue! Thanks again for your wonderful recipes.
Sherri
These look super yummy, however, I cannot consume any dairy and buttermilk is still a dairy product. Any substitutions–applesauce, bananas???
Thanks
Kate
Hi Sherri! Check the vegan note below the recipe. You can make your own “buttermilk” by combining non-dairy milk with vinegar, and it works great.
Helen
Difficult to get frozen and impossible to get fresh cranberries here in Australia so substituted a cup of dried cranberries and a cup of white chocolate chips. Healthy, a little bit decadent and very delicious. Thank you, this will be making this again.
Kate
Yum! Thanks for providing your variation, Helen!
Taija
These are my absolute favorite muffins! I look forward to making them every year, they are perfect for the holidays. Just made my first batch for this season last week and stashed a few away in the freezer!
Kate
Love to hear that! Thank you and happy holidays!
Manal
Had a big bag of cranberries left over from Thanksgiving..I found this recipe and Tried it today..really good! My kids wanted some more sweetness so I put a little jam on it..love it!
Kate
Awesome! So glad you all enjoyed them, Manal.
Mo
These muffins are terrific
So tasty I made 2 batches and froze them
Kate
That’s great, Mo!
Christa M
Hi Kate. I made your cranberry orange muffins this morning. They are wonderful! My husband and I love the tartness of the cranberries and the orange zest really adds a bright flavor. Another delicious recipe! Thank you.
Kate
You’re welcome, Christa! I appreciate your review.
Amy
Chopping the cranberries is genius! This recipe is the perfect mix of sweet and tart with a soft crumb. The best cranberry muffin I’ve ever had! Thanks, Cookie and Kate!
Kate
You’re welcome, Amy!
Emily R
So festive with the cranberry and orange flavors and smells! I went with frozen cranberries and added about a cup and a half of dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa) to mine and LOVE how they came out! Super complimentary flavor profile. Thanks for creating such wonderful and EASY recipes to follow, Kate! Your’s are always my favorite :)
Kate
Excited you loved this recipe! Thank you for sharing how yo made it, Emily.