Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Cranberry cream cheese muffins are a delightful treat that brighten up any occasion, be it a cozy brunch with friends or a festive holiday gathering. The moment you pull these muffins from the oven, the aroma of sweet cranberries mingling with zesty orange and creamy cheese fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to come closer. Each bite offers a tender crumb, bursting with tart cranberries and pockets of rich cream cheese that add a luxurious texture. Topped with a simple icing, they are not just a treat; they are an experience that captures the essence of home baking. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this muffin magic in your own kitchen!

Table of Contents

• Why This Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins Is Worth Your Time
• Main Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins
• Tools Needed for Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins
• Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins
• Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins
• Serving Ideas and Pairings
• Variations and Swaps for Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins
• Leftovers and Storage Tips
• Nutrition Notes
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Why This Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins Is Worth Your Time

These cranberry cream cheese muffins stand out not only for their delicious taste but also for their wonderful texture and ease of preparation. The balance of sweet and tart from the cranberries is perfectly complemented by the creamy richness of the cream cheese, while the bright orange zest adds a refreshing note. This recipe is practical for any home cook, as it requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Plus, they are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a brunch, craving a quick snack, or need a holiday dessert. Baking these muffins fills your home with warmth and invites everyone to gather around the table, making them a true celebration of comfort food.

Main Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins

To create these delightful muffins, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture to the muffins.
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Provides a creamy texture and a delicious flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups sugar: Sweetens the muffins and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
• 4 large eggs: Acts as a binder and contributes to the muffins’ structure.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 tsp almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty sweetness.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the muffin batter.
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the muffins rise, creating a light texture.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 2 cups fresh (or frozen cranberries): Provides a burst of tartness and color.
• 2 tsp orange zest: Brightens the flavor with a citrusy kick.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Used for the icing to add sweetness and a decorative touch.
• 2 tbsp cold milk: Helps to achieve the right consistency for the icing.

Tools Needed for Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Making cranberry cream cheese muffins is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for tender, delicious muffins:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease or line a muffin tin with paper cups, then set aside.
2. In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar using the paddle attachment until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring to beat well between each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until moistened. Be careful not to over mix; a few lumps are okay!
4. Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Then, distribute the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
5. Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll notice a pleasant aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake! Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. In a bowl, combine the icing ingredients—powdered sugar and cold milk—and whisk until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cooled muffins for that perfect finishing touch. Store the muffins in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins

• Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps the muffins tender and fluffy.
• If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
• For a sweeter muffin, you can add a bit more sugar or use sweeter cranberries.
• Experiment with different extracts, like lemon or orange, to change the flavor profile.
• Always keep an eye on the muffins in the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking.
• Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

• Serve these muffins warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for extra richness.
• Pair with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
• Great with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack.
• Try them with yogurt for a delicious breakfast option.
• These muffins can also be served alongside a charcuterie board at gatherings.

Variations and Swaps for Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Faster Weeknight Version

Use a pre-made muffin mix and add cranberries and cream cheese for a quicker option.

Lighter Version

Substitute Greek yogurt for half of the butter and cream cheese to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture.

High-Protein Version

Add in protein powder or substitute almond flour for part of the all-purpose flour for a protein boost.

Budget-Friendly Version

Use frozen cranberries and store-brand ingredients to lower costs without sacrificing flavor.

Leftovers and Storage Tips

• Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• These muffins freeze well; wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven until heated through.
• Allow frozen muffins to thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition Notes

Cranberry cream cheese muffins are a delicious indulgence, but they do come with calories due to the sugar and fat content. Each muffin is roughly 250-300 calories, depending on the size and exact ingredients used. For a healthier option, consider reducing the sugar and using whole grain flour. If you have dietary restrictions, substitutions such as gluten-free flour or dairy-free cream cheese can easily be made to accommodate your needs.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins Delight

This delicious cranberry cream cheese muffins delight is a fantastic dish that's sure to impress. Made with butter (softened), cream cheese (softened), and 1 1/2 cups sugar, it combines great flavors and textures for a memorable meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups fresh (or frozen cranberries)
• 2 tsp orange zest
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp cold milk

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease or line a muffin tin with paper cups, then set aside.
2. In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar using the paddle attachment until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring to beat well between each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until moistened (be careful not to over mix).
4. Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest, then distribute the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
5. Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. In a bowl, combine the icing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cooled muffins. Store the muffins in an airtight container. Enjoy!