These White Chocolate Cranberry Muffins are the perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet, creamy white chocolate in a soft, fluffy muffin. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm muffin, with the crispness of the cranberries paired perfectly with the melty sweetness of white chocolate—trust me, you’re going to love this combo. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, a snack, or as a treat with your afternoon coffee, these muffins will quickly become a favorite. They’re easy to make, absolutely delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into why these are a must-try!
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Why You’ll Love White Chocolate Cranberry Muffins
These muffins aren’t just delicious; they’re the kind of treat that brings a little joy with every bite. Here’s why they’re going to be your new go-to muffin recipe:
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The combination of sweet white chocolate and tangy cranberries gives each bite a balanced burst of flavor that’s incredibly satisfying.
Light and Fluffy: These muffins are tender, moist, and perfectly soft, with just the right amount of fluffiness. They’re everything you want in a muffin and more.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time. They’re perfect for a weekend bake or when you need to impress guests with minimal effort.
Versatile: You can enjoy them for breakfast, a snack, or even for dessert. They’re great for holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible muffins:
All-Purpose Flour: The base of these muffins, giving them structure and texture.
Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and gives them that light, airy texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cranberries and white chocolate.
Salt: A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and bring out the other flavors.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the muffins.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together, giving the muffins structure.
Vanilla Extract: For a hint of warm, comforting flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
Cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries—both work beautifully. They add a tart bite that contrasts perfectly with the sweet white chocolate.
White Chocolate Chips: The sweet, creamy white chocolate that makes these muffins extra indulgent.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to make your delicious White Chocolate Cranberry Muffins:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Make sure everything is well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want a light, fluffy texture, not dense muffins!
Fold in Cranberries and White Chocolate: Gently fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips. Be sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve White Chocolate Cranberry Muffins
These muffins are great on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
With a Hot Drink: Enjoy these muffins with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.
With Butter or Jam: Spread a little butter or your favorite fruit jam on top for an extra indulgence.
For Breakfast: Pair them with a smoothie or yogurt for a balanced and satisfying start to your day.
As a Dessert: These muffins also make a wonderful dessert—serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Additional Tips
Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep the muffins light and fluffy, stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense muffins.
Fresh vs. Dried Cranberries: You can use either fresh or dried cranberries in these muffins. If you use fresh cranberries, they’ll burst during baking, giving the muffins a more vibrant, tart flavor.
Customize with Nuts: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
Store Properly: Store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A1: Yes! You can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Q2: Can I use white chocolate bars instead of chips?
A2: Absolutely! Chop the white chocolate into small pieces, and it will work just like chocolate chips in the recipe.
Q3: How do I make these muffins gluten-free?
A3: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the label to ensure it’s suitable for baking.
Q4: How can I make these muffins vegan?
A4: You can use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water). For the white chocolate, look for dairy-free options.
Q5: Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized muffins?
A5: Yes! If you’re making mini muffins, reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Q6: Can I add more white chocolate for a sweeter muffin?
A6: Of course! If you love white chocolate, feel free to add extra chips to the batter for a richer, sweeter muffin.
Q7: Can I freeze the batter?
A7: Yes, you can freeze muffin batter in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the batter overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Q8: Can I add orange zest to these muffins?
A8: Yes! Adding a teaspoon of orange zest would complement the cranberries beautifully and add a lovely citrusy flavor.
Q9: Can I use other berries instead of cranberries?
A9: Absolutely! You can substitute cranberries with blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a different twist on this muffin recipe.
Q10: Can I make a double batch?
A10: Yes, feel free to double the recipe! Just be sure to bake the muffins in batches, as overfilling the muffin tin can cause them to bake unevenly.
Conclusion
These White Chocolate Cranberry Muffins are a delicious treat that’s perfect for any time of day. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy these tender, sweet, and tangy muffins that are as delightful as they sound!
PrintWhite Chocolate Cranberry Muffins
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 5 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These White Chocolate Cranberry Muffins are a delightful treat that combines creamy white chocolate with tart cranberries for a perfect balance of flavors. Soft, fluffy, and quick to make, they are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
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100 grams all-purpose flour
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75 grams granulated sugar
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2.5 grams baking powder
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Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
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Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
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1 1/2 eggs (1 whole + 1/2 of another egg)
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40 grams sunflower seed oil (or any oil of choice)
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40 grams milk
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60 grams white chocolate
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60 grams frozen cranberries
Instructions
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Prepare Lemon Zest:
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Preheat the oven to 210°C (410°F). Zest a fresh lemon, rubbing it against a zester. Combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest in a clean bowl and rub them together for about a minute to release the natural oils. You can also substitute with orange zest if preferred.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
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In the same bowl, add the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients:
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In a separate bowl, beat one egg and set aside half of it for another recipe. Add the remaining half egg and one more whole egg to the dry ingredients. Then, add sunflower seed oil and milk.
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Mix Together:
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Mix all the ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to over-mix to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
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Add Chocolate and Cranberries:
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Gently fold in the white chocolate and frozen cranberries.
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Bake the Muffins:
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Spoon the muffin batter into a muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake in the preheated oven for about 17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Notes
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For a twist, you can use orange zest instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
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If you prefer a less sweet muffin, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg