Ah, the holiday season! There’s just something magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air, isn’t there? My *Christmas muffins* are like little bundles of joy that capture all the festive flavors we adore. With a delightful mix of dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts, they’re not just muffins; they’re a celebration in every bite! I love baking these while sipping on hot cocoa and listening to my favorite holiday tunes—it really sets the mood. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll feel the warmth of the season wrap around you. So, let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!
Ingredients List
Gathering the ingredients for my *Christmas muffins* is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive delights:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup dried cranberries, packed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results. Trust me, the combination of sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts will make your kitchen smell like a winter wonderland!
How to Prepare Christmas Muffins
Now, let’s get our hands a little floury and whip up these scrumptious *Christmas muffins*! It’s a straightforward process, and trust me, the results are so worth it. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive treats in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a muffin pan with paper liners or give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray—this will help the muffins pop out easily later on!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Give it a good whisk to blend everything together—this helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents!
- In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine! This is key for fluffy muffins!
- Finally, fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. You’ll want to see those beautiful red and brown specks throughout the batter.
- Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell will be heavenly, trust me!
- Once they’re done, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—delicious, festive *Christmas muffins* ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These *Christmas muffins* are more than just a delightful treat; they’re a festive experience! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making them:
- Rich, warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg that scream holiday cheer.
- Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfectly balanced sweetness from cranberries and a satisfying crunch from walnuts.
- Quick and easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy holiday mornings.
- Great for sharing at parties or gifting to friends and family.
- Versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite dried fruits or nuts!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Christmas muffins* turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, be careful not to overmix your batter; mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep them fluffy. If you find your mixture is a bit too thick, adding a splash more milk can help achieve that perfect consistency.
For a little extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of orange zest to the batter—it really brightens things up! And if you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to swap them out for pecans or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Remember to rotate your muffin pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Trust me, these little details make a big difference in taste and texture!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the goodness packed into these *Christmas muffins*! Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per muffin, just so you know what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients, but they give you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re enjoying! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
I often get questions about my *Christmas muffins*, so let’s tackle a few common ones to help you bake with confidence!
Can I substitute the dried cranberries? Absolutely! You can swap them with any dried fruit you love, like raisins, chopped apricots, or even cherries. Just make sure they’re chopped into smaller pieces for even distribution.
How should I store the muffins? To keep your *Christmas muffins* fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I make these muffins vegan? Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based milk and butter. They’ll still be deliciously festive!
What if my batter is too thick? Don’t worry! Just add a little extra milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *Christmas muffins* properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, you can place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them—they’ll stay good for up to three months! When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.
For a warm, cozy treat, you can reheat the muffins in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to get that fresh-baked aroma back. Trust me, there’s nothing like a warm muffin on a chilly day!
Serving Suggestions
To make your *Christmas muffins* an even more delightful part of your festive gatherings, consider pairing them with a few tasty accompaniments! A warm cup of spiced chai or rich hot chocolate complements the flavors beautifully and adds to the cozy atmosphere. You could also serve them alongside a platter of assorted cheeses, which provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the muffins. For an extra festive touch, drizzle some homemade cream cheese frosting on top or sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Trust me, your guests will be raving about the perfect combination of flavors!
Print
Christmas Muffins That Shine: 7 Festive Delights to Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas muffins perfect for the festive season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in cranberries and walnuts.
- Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store muffins in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to substitute other dried fruits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas muffins, festive muffins, holiday baking
