Cranberry Orange Sunrise Muffins

I happen to be quite famous for my muffin baking. Every Monday night in the later years of college, I would bake muffins and bring them over to my friend’s house for muffins and Mario Kart.  I’ve tried a lot of recipes over the years, but this one tends to be a favorite. These beautiful burst cranberries make a festive plate for the winter months or for a Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed.

Cranberry Orange Sunrise Muffins

1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
2 C all-purpouse flour
1 C sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/2 C milk or heavy cream
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 C fresh whole cranberries
zest of one orange
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray and coat a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick spray. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt and baking powder. Place cranberries in a small bowl. Take one tablespoon of flour mixture and coat cranberries. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, mix together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time until combined. Add vanilla.

With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour mixture, mixing until combined. Slowly add milk, until combined. Fold in cranberries and orange zest. Divide batter amongst muffin cups. (I use an ice cream scoop for even measurement). Sprinkle top with extra granulated sugar if desired.

Bake for 30 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until golden brown. Allow pan to cool. Remove muffins and place on wire cooling rack.

These treats are extra scrumptious when served warm and when served on a Monday night while playing Mario Kart…

*photos courtesy of Michael G. Coates, from the latest HAP photo shoot. More to come!

GIVEAWAY WINNER!

Thanks to everyone who entered our recent giveaway! We were blown away by all the mouth-watering cheesy recipes you mentioned. Congratulations to reader, James & Katie, for winning the Wisconsin artisan cheese basket giveaway! We hope you enjoy rooting for the Packers with your cheese platter.

We have more giveaways planned for the next few months so be sure to check back for another chance to win!
The winner was chosen at random using random.org.