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
Scale
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.
