Description
Mediterranean sunshine flows through these zesty orange muffins, delivering a burst of citrusy comfort. Delicate crumb and aromatic essence invite you to savor sweet moments of pure culinary bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup candied orange peel (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
- Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until slightly frothy, then incorporate milk, vegetable oil, orange zest, and fresh orange juice.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in vanilla extract and candied orange peel (if using) with delicate strokes, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Create a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of orange juice until smooth and drizzling over slightly warm muffins.
- Allow muffins to cool completely before serving, allowing the glaze to set and flavors to develop.
Notes
- Use freshly zested and squeezed oranges for the most vibrant and intense citrus flavor in the muffins.
- Substitute whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour to boost nutritional value and add a nutty undertone.
- Prevent dry muffins by measuring flour precisely and mixing just until ingredients are combined, stopping when no flour streaks remain.
- Customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and texture without compromising the delicate orange profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg