Ina Garten’s Cranberry Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of a tender, moist muffin base. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these muffins are easy to make and pack a burst of flavor in every bite.

What are Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins?

Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins are a simple yet delicious baked good featuring fresh or dried cranberries folded into a lightly sweet batter. With a hint of orange zest and a soft, buttery texture, these muffins strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. They’re ideal for holiday mornings or any time you crave a fruity treat.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins

Festive and flavorful: The tart cranberries and hint of orange make these muffins perfect for the holidays.
Quick and easy: You can whip up a batch in less than an hour.
Freezer-friendly: Make them ahead and enjoy them whenever you like.
Versatile: Great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
Customizable: Add nuts, spices, or different fruits for your own twist.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins

For the Muffins:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
Zest of 1 orange
1 1/2 cups fresh or dried cranberries

For the Topping (Optional):

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and orange zest.
Add wet to dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Fill the muffin cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Add the topping: Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the tops of the muffins.
Bake the muffins: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins

Serve with coffee or tea: These muffins are a perfect pairing with a hot beverage.
Add a dollop of butter: Spread some softened butter on a warm muffin for extra richness.
Pair with yogurt: A side of Greek yogurt complements the tangy cranberries beautifully.
Include in a brunch spread: Serve alongside eggs, bacon, and other brunch favorites.
Top with cream cheese: A smear of cream cheese adds a delightful tang.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins

Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a burst of tart flavor, but dried cranberries work well too.
Toss cranberries in flour: Coat the cranberries lightly in flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in dense muffins, so mix just until combined.
Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean when done.
Cool before storing: Let the muffins cool completely before storing to maintain their texture.
Experiment with flavors: Add chopped nuts or a pinch of nutmeg for a unique twist.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins

Add nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Include chocolate chips: Add white or dark chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
Make them citrusy: Use lemon zest instead of orange for a tangy twist.
Try a glaze: Drizzle with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
Use other berries: Substitute cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins

Store at room temperature: Keep muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for longer storage: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, reheating before serving.
Freeze for future use: Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins

Warm in the microwave: Heat a muffin in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Reheat in the oven: Place muffins in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.
Thaw frozen muffins: Let frozen muffins thaw at room temperature before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh in Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Soak them in hot water or orange juice for 10–15 minutes to plump them up before adding to the batter.

How do I prevent cranberries from sinking in muffins?

To prevent cranberries from sinking, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay evenly distributed.

Can I freeze Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins?

Yes, you can freeze these muffins. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven before serving.

How do I make Ina Garten Cranberry Muffins more moist?

Ensure you use fresh cranberries and buttermilk as called for in the recipe. Avoid overbaking, and consider adding a tablespoon of oil or yogurt to the batter for extra moisture.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Cranberry Muffins are a simple yet flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their moist texture, tangy cranberries, and a hint of orange, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Bake a batch today and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of these delightful muffins!

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