Glazed Orange Muffins

Glazed orange muffins are moist, fluffy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Topped with a sweet and tangy orange glaze, these muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delicious afternoon snack. The combination of orange zest and fresh juice gives these muffins a bright and refreshing taste, while the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and fluffy texture
• Fresh and vibrant orange flavor
• Simple ingredients and easy to make
• Perfect for any time of the day
• The glaze adds a beautiful, sweet finish

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins, allowing it to set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Orange Muffins: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Orange Muffins: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Orange Cranberry Muffins: Add 1 cup of dried cranberries for a festive touch.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: You can refrigerate them for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed muffins for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh orange juice and zest will give a brighter and more natural flavor.

How do I make the muffins more moist?

Avoid overmixing the batter and do not overbake. Adding a bit of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter can also help.

Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Yes, reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes and keep an eye on them while baking.

What if I don’t have a muffin tin?

You can use a loaf pan and adjust the baking time to about 45 minutes.

Can I add frosting instead of a glaze?

Absolutely! A cream cheese frosting would pair wonderfully with the orange flavor.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing?

Yes, freeze the muffins without the glaze. Add the glaze after thawing for the best results.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but the muffins might be denser. Consider using half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour.

What can I serve with these muffins?

Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, or as part of a brunch spread with fresh fruits and yogurt.

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?

Spray the liners lightly with non-stick spray or use parchment paper liners.

Can I replace the butter with oil?

Yes, you can substitute with an equal amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil.

Conclusion

These glazed orange muffins are a delightful treat that will brighten up any occasion. With their fresh citrus flavor and moist texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try them out and enjoy a burst of sunshine with every bite!

Print