These Delicious Orange Muffins are light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. The tangy orange juice and zest create a refreshing twist on the classic muffin, making them the perfect treat for breakfast or a midday snack. With or without the glaze, these muffins are sure to brighten your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of citrus, these orange muffins are a must-try! The combination of orange juice and zest gives them a wonderfully fresh and vibrant flavor. The muffins are moist, tender, and not too sweet, making them perfect for a light breakfast or a delicious snack with your afternoon tea. Plus, they come together quickly and are easy to make—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 cup milk

For the Glaze (Optional):

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Make the Batter:

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and orange zest.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

5. Bake the Muffins:

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the Glaze (Optional):

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins for extra sweetness and shine.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 muffins
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Blueberry Orange Muffins: Add a handful of fresh blueberries to the batter for an extra burst of flavor.
Lemon Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter to create a delicious orange-lemon combo.
Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use a plant-based milk to make these muffins vegan-friendly.
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce the sugar by half or use a sugar substitute for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days if you prefer.
Freezing: Freeze the muffins for up to 2 months. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Reheating: To enjoy the muffins warm, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, but you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% pure orange juice with no added sugars.

2. Can I use a different type of citrus juice?

Yes! You can substitute orange juice with lemon or lime juice for a different citrus twist.

3. How do I prevent the muffins from being too dry?

Be sure not to overmix the batter and don’t bake the muffins for too long. Checking them with a toothpick will help you avoid overbaking.

4. Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized muffins?

Yes! You can make mini muffins by adjusting the baking time to 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overbaking.

5. How do I know when the muffins are done?

The muffins are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Can I add chocolate chips to these muffins?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips pair wonderfully with orange, so feel free to fold some into the batter for extra sweetness.

7. Can I make the muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these muffins ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for a few days.

8. How can I make the glaze thinner?

If you want a thinner glaze, just add a little more orange juice until you reach your desired consistency.

9. Can I make the muffins without the glaze?

Yes! The muffins are delicious on their own without the glaze, or you could sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a lighter touch.

10. Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Almond flour is a good alternative, but it may change the texture of the muffins. You may need to adjust the liquid amounts, as almond flour doesn’t absorb moisture as well as all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

These Delicious Orange Muffins are a bright and flavorful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. With their soft, fluffy texture and fresh orange flavor, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves citrus. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a quick morning bite, these muffins will leave you craving more!

Delicious Orange Muffins

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Print Recipe

Enjoy a burst of citrus with these Delicious Orange Muffins—soft, fluffy, and packed with fresh orange juice and zest. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, these muffins are easy to make and offer a delightful, refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Top them off with a sweet glaze for the ultimate treat!

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Make the Batter: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and orange zest.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Bake the Muffins: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins for extra sweetness and shine.

Notes

For a Blueberry Orange Muffin, add a handful of fresh blueberries to the batter.
To create a Lemon Twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
For a Vegan Version, substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for the butter and use plant-based milk.
If you prefer a Low-Sugar Option, reduce the sugar by half or use a sugar substitute.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian