If you are looking for a bright, zesty treat that wakes up your taste buds and fills your kitchen with the uplifting scent of fresh citrus, this Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe is absolutely the one to try. These muffins strike the perfect balance between fluffy, tender crumb and a vibrant, tangy sweetness, thanks to the combination of fresh orange zest and juice folded into the batter, then topped off with a shiny, luscious orange glaze. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast, a lively brunch offering, or a cheerful snack, these muffins bring sunshine to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients with a punch of flavor make all the difference here. Each item plays an essential role, from giving texture and rise to the perfect burst of orange essence that makes this recipe stand out.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and tenderness in the muffins.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the golden crust.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: Provides the lift you want in light, fluffy muffins.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the perfect rise and texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the batter.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the crumb and adds a subtle tanginess that complements the orange.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist and soft for days.
- Zest of 3 oranges: The star ingredient — pure citrus aroma and flavor packed in.
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice: Infuses the batter with refreshing tang and moisture.
- 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar: For a sweet, smooth glaze that melts on top.
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice: Mixed into the glaze for that unmistakable orange punch.
How to Make Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 425°F—this initial blast of heat is key for a great muffin rise. Line every other cavity of a 12-cup muffin pan with liners to allow plenty of space between muffins as they bake.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing them first ensures every bite is consistently fluffy and sweet without any pockets of leavening or salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth, then add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, orange zest, and fresh squeezed orange juice. Stir these together to release all that delicious orange aroma.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here—minimal stirring will keep your muffins tender rather than tough. Then, let the batter rest for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the batter to hydrate perfectly.
Step 5: Fill and Smooth Liners
Using a spoon or scoop, fill each muffin liner completely full and smooth the tops. Filling them generously helps achieve those beautiful domed tops that make muffins irresistible.
Step 6: Bake Twice for Perfect Texture
Pop the pan into your hot oven for 7 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for another 13 to 16 minutes. This two-step baking creates muffins with a tender crumb and a nicely browned, slightly crisp exterior.
Step 7: Cool in the Pan
Once baked through, allow the muffins to cool right in the pan. This keeps them moist and lets them firm up just enough for glazing.
Step 8: Make and Apply Orange Glaze
Whisk the powdered sugar with fresh squeezed orange juice until smooth and glossy, then generously spoon or dip the glaze over each cooled muffin. It hardens slightly to form a shiny, citrusy cap that’s utterly addictive.
How to Serve Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Add a small sprig of fresh mint or a thin slice of orange on top of each glazed muffin for an extra pop of color and freshness that will impress anyone you share them with.
Side Dishes
Serve these muffins alongside a cup of strong coffee or a delicate cup of Earl Grey tea—both pair wonderfully with the bright citrus flavor. For a more substantial spread, fresh berries or a light yogurt parfait make delightful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing these baked beauties in pretty paper liners or arranging them on a tiered stand for brunch. For a beautiful gift idea, stack a few tied with a ribbon and include a handwritten note with the Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe to share your love of baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze helps keep them moist, but since these are best enjoyed fresh, try to consume them quickly for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unglazed muffins wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then add the glaze fresh before serving to keep that shine and brightness intact.
Reheating
Warm muffins gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes. Be cautious not to melt the glaze too much; warming just enough brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling and aroma wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes will better mimic buttermilk’s tang and help tenderize the muffins.
What if I don’t have fresh oranges?
Fresh zest and juice provide the brightest, most natural flavor. If fresh oranges aren’t available, bottled orange juice can be used, but skip the zest or use a small amount of orange extract for best results.
How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?
Adjust the glaze by adding more powdered sugar a little at a time until it reaches a thicker consistency that spreads easily without running off the muffins.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the buttermilk for a dairy-free milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice. Use a plant-based oil as listed and other ingredients are naturally dairy-free, making this recipe simple to adapt.
What’s the best way to ensure my muffins rise properly?
Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, measure ingredients accurately, and avoid overmixing the batter. Also, the initial high-temperature baking step is crucial for a strong rise.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong making this Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe a part of your baking repertoire—it’s fresh, fun, and bursting with cheerful citrus flavor. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, these muffins bring sunshine into any day. I hope you enjoy making and savoring them as much as I do!
Print
Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These vibrant Orange Muffins are a delightful breakfast or snack treat bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Moist and fluffy, they combine the zest and juice of oranges with a tender crumb, topped with a sweet orange glaze for an extra zing. Perfect for orange lovers seeking a bright, homemade baked good.
Ingredients
Muffins
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Zest of 3 oranges
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
Glaze
- 1 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line every other cavity of a 12-count muffin pan with paper liners to allow space between muffins for even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined to ensure even leavening and sweetness.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs with the buttermilk, vegetable oil, orange zest, and fresh squeezed orange juice until thoroughly combined and aromatic.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold just until mixed. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes to hydrate the flour and improve muffin rise.
- Fill the muffin liners: Spoon the batter into the lined muffin cups, filling each one completely full. Smooth the tops evenly for consistent baking and appearance.
- Bake muffins: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake at 425°F for 7 minutes to give an initial rise. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 13 to 16 minutes until the muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool muffins: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan to set before glazing.
- Prepare and apply glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth. Spoon or dip this glaze over the cooled muffins to add a sweet, tangy finish.
Notes
- Filling the muffin liners completely full helps achieve a tall, domed muffin top.
- Resting the batter before baking allows the baking powder to react fully, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Using fresh orange zest and juice ensures bright citrus flavor; canned juice will alter taste.
- The initial high heat helps to spring the muffins up quickly for a better rise and texture.
- Leftover muffins should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and are best eaten within 2 days.
