Description
Sweet and zesty orange muffins bring Mediterranean sunshine to breakfast tables. Citrus-infused batter and delicate crumb promise a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with pure enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
Dry Base:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare muffin tins with paper liners to accommodate the entire batch.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all dry ingredients using a whisk, ensuring even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently incorporate softened butter into the dry mixture, creating a crumbly texture.
- Pour in eggs, milk, fresh orange juice, vanilla extract, and fragrant orange zest, stirring minimally to maintain a light, tender muffin consistency.
- Carefully distribute the batter evenly across prepared muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full.
- Slide the muffin tins into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges completely clean.
- Allow muffins to rest in the tin for several minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
- Serve immediately while warm, optionally accompanied by a pat of creamy butter for added richness.
Notes
- Zest matters most: Choose fresh, organic oranges for vibrant citrus flavor and maximum aromatic zest that elevates the entire muffin profile.
- Butter temperature is crucial: Allow butter to soften at room temperature for smooth, even mixing without creating dense pockets in the batter.
- Mixing technique prevents tough muffins: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together, stopping just when combined to maintain a light, tender crumb.
- Customize for dietary needs: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil for alternative versions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg