Christmas Cranberry Muffins

There’s something magical about baking around Christmas time. With the aroma of festive treats filling the air, it feels as if every corner of the home is sprinkled with warmth and cheer. Among the many baked delights that make this season truly special, Christmas cranberry and walnut muffins stand out as a firm favourite. These little treats are not only festive but also capture the essence of winter flavours in a single bite.

The combination of cranberries and walnuts makes these muffins particularly delightful. Cranberries are renowned for their sharp yet sweet taste, often adding a delightful zing to baked goods. Around the holiday season, they bring a festive colour and vibrancy to many dishes. Fresh cranberries, with their slightly tart taste, balance the sweetness of the muffin batter perfectly, adding a refreshing contrast that awakens the senses. For those who love dried cranberries, they offer a more concentrated sweetness, along with a chewier texture.

Then, we have walnuts – a classic Christmas ingredient with a warm, earthy flavour that pairs brilliantly with the cranberries’ tartness. Walnuts add not only depth to the flavour profile but also an inviting crunch, giving the muffins a texture that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Plus, walnuts are nutrient-packed and a great source of healthy fats, making these festive muffins a slightly more guilt-free indulgence.

One of the many joys of Christmas cranberry and walnut muffins is their versatility. They make for a quick breakfast, a charming snack, or even a light dessert. Imagine starting your Christmas morning with a warm muffin and a cup of tea or coffee, or serving them up to family and friends when they pop in for a holiday visit. Muffins are easy to share and can be made ahead, so you can enjoy the season without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Another wonderful thing about these muffins is how easy they are to customise. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a hint of spice that complements the cranberries and walnuts, creating a comforting aroma reminiscent of traditional Christmas treats. Some bakers like to add a light sprinkle of sugar on top to create a slight crunch, while others may drizzle a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking to try your hand at something festive, Christmas cranberry and walnut muffins are a delightful addition to your holiday menu. They’re simple yet satisfying, filled with flavours that bring warmth to the coldest of days, and ideal for sharing with loved ones. So, this season, why not treat yourself to these little bundles of festive joy?

Christmas Cranberry Muffins

These festive Christmas muffins are packed with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, perfect for adding a burst of flavour and texture to your holiday table. Lightly spiced and irresistibly moist, they’re a delightful treat to share with family and friends over a warm cup of tea.

4.88 from 24 votes

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Course: Cake, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cranberries, Cranberry Muffins, Dairy, Eggs, Muffins, Nuts, Spice

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 Muffins

Calories: 153kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 200 g plain flour
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 100 g cranberries fresh or dried
• 80 g walnuts chopped
• 120 ml milk
• 80 ml vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 large egg free range
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
  200 g plain flour, 100 g granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Fold in the cranberries and walnuts, ensuring they're well-coated in the flour mixture.
  100 g cranberries, 80 g walnuts
• In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, oil (or melted butter), egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  120 ml milk, 80 ml vegetable oil, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay.
• Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean.
• Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Notes

Enjoy these delicious Christmas muffins warm or at room temperature – they’re perfect for sharing or gifting during the festive season!

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 39IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg