Prepare to be swept away by the captivating flavors of our Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Stuffed Muffins! These cozy, festive treats are a delightful fusion of sweet and tart, with a creamy, lush filling that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking for a decadent breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a showstopping dessert, this recipe is sure to delight.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Stuffed Muffins
These Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Stuffed Muffins are a true culinary masterpiece, blending the bright, zesty notes of orange with the delightful tartness of cranberries. The velvety cream cheese filling adds an indulgent, creamy contrast, while the golden, crispy muffin tops provide the perfect texture balance. Prepare to be wowed by the flavors and textures that come together in every bite.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for a truly epic Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Stuffed Muffins experience. You’ll need a blend of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, eggs, sour cream, fresh orange juice and zest, and plump, juicy cranberries. The lush cream cheese filling is a breeze to make with just a few simple ingredients.
- 2 cups (250g) – All-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) – Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons – Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon – Salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) – Unsalted butter, softened
- 2 – Eggs
- 1/2 cup (120g) – Sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons – Grated orange zest
- 1 cup (150g) – Fresh or frozen cranberries
Ingredient Substitutions
- Flour: Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat or gluten-free flour, or use a mix of both.
- Citrus: Play with the citrus by using lemon or grapefruit instead of orange.
How to Make Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Stuffed Muffins
Let’s dive into the delicious steps to create these Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Stuffed Muffins!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and preparing a 12-cup muffin tin. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, eggs, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Fold in the orange juice and zest, then gently stir in the fresh cranberries.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to create the irresistible cream cheese filling. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup (50g) of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until light and fluffy. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the muffin batter into each muffin cup, then top with a dollop of the cream cheese mixture. Finish by topping each muffin with the remaining batter, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop these beauties in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Fruit Swap: Swap out the cranberries for tart cherries or juicy blueberries.
- Citrus Twist: Use lemon or grapefruit zest and juice instead of orange.
- Glaze or Dust: Drizzle the cooled muffins with a simple orange glaze or dust them with powdered sugar.
- Extra Moist: Substitute Greek yogurt or applesauce for some of the sour cream.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a warm cup of coffee or tea, for a cozy, comforting start to your day.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. These muffins can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the muffins in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: These muffins can be baked, cooled, and stored for later enjoyment. They also freeze beautifully, so you can have a batch on hand whenever the craving strikes.
Nutrition Information
These Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Stuffed Muffins are a delightful indulgence that won’t completely derail your healthy eating goals. Each muffin contains approximately 300 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep you feeling satisfied. The cranberries and orange provide a boost of vitamin C, while the cream cheese adds a creamy, velvety texture.
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 39 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Absolutely! These muffins can be baked, cooled, and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the baked muffins for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Just be sure to add them to the batter straight from the freezer – no need to thaw them first.
How can I make these muffins extra moist?
To ensure your Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Stuffed Muffins are extra moist and tender, be sure not to overmix the batter. Additionally, you can substitute Greek yogurt or applesauce for some of the sour cream in the recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! While the classic cream cheese filling is hard to beat, you can certainly experiment with other soft cheeses. Try using mascarpone, ricotta, or even a flavored cream cheese for a unique twist.
How do I know when the muffins are done?
The muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the tops are golden brown and lightly springy to the touch. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the muffins.
Try These Next
- Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Brownies For Friendsgiving
- Cranberry Brie Stuffed Sweet Potato
- Cranberry Maple Cheesecake Bars
Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Stuffed Muffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry-Orange Cream Cheese Stuffed Muffins are a delightful fusion of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for breakfast or a snack. The cream cheese filling adds a rich and creamy texture that balances the zesty orange and tangy cranberries.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon orange juice
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the orange zest and chopped cranberries.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange juice until smooth.
7. Spoon a tablespoon of muffin batter into each muffin cup, add a dollop of the cream cheese filling, and then top with more muffin batter until cups are about 3/4 full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before serving.
Notes
These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Feel free to substitute dried cranberries if fresh ones are not available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: muffins, cranberry, orange, cream cheese