When fall comes around, there’s nothing like a warm, spiced muffin to welcome the season. 🍁 These Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins combine the cozy flavors of pumpkin with bursts of tart cranberries, creating a treat that’s moist, flavorful, and just a little bit festive. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as part of your holiday brunch spread, these muffins capture everything we love about autumn in every bite!
The inspiration for these muffins came from our love of classic pumpkin bread, but with a tart, fruity twist! We thought, why not add some cranberries to balance out the sweet, spiced pumpkin? The result is a delightful muffin that’s warm, soft, and just the right amount of sweet and tangy. They’re a favorite in our kitchen and perfect for sharing the flavors of fall with friends and family.
🎃 Why Pumpkin and Cranberries?
Pumpkin adds a rich, earthy sweetness and a wonderfully moist texture, while cranberries bring a bright, tart contrast. Together, they create a muffin that’s both comforting and refreshing – the best of both worlds!
A Festive Muffin for Crisp Autumn Mornings 🍂☕
These Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins are everything we crave when the weather turns cool. With the pumpkin’s subtle sweetness, warm spices, and juicy cranberries, they’re like a little taste of fall in every bite. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make – just mix, scoop, and bake! They’re perfect for those chilly mornings when you want something comforting but not too heavy.
What we love most about these muffins is their versatility. They’re great for on-the-go breakfasts, cozy weekend brunches, or even as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these muffins are bound to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
🍂 Warm Fall Spices
The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings out the natural flavor of the pumpkin, making these muffins taste like fall in every bite. For a little extra warmth, add a pinch of ginger for a cozy twist.
Why We Love These Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins
These muffins have the perfect texture – moist, fluffy, and dotted with juicy cranberries that add just the right amount of tartness. They’re sweet without being overly sugary, and the pumpkin keeps them soft and tender. We especially love how the cranberries give a pop of color and a zing that makes each muffin feel extra special.
Another reason we love this recipe? It’s easy and adaptable! You can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch, swap dried cranberries for fresh, or even mix in a handful of chocolate chips for a little extra indulgence. Whatever you choose, these muffins are sure to become a fall favorite. 🍫
Serving Suggestions and Extra Tips 🍁
These muffins are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a little something extra. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of cream cheese for a touch of indulgence. They’re also lovely with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dusting of cinnamon on top, making them look as festive as they taste.
If you’re hosting brunch or serving these muffins for a special occasion, try adding a streusel topping! Just mix a bit of flour, sugar, and butter with a pinch of cinnamon and sprinkle on top before baking for an extra-crunchy, flavorful finish.
🌟 Pro Tip: Keeping Muffins Moist
To keep your muffins moist and fresh, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread absorbs any excess moisture, helping the muffins stay soft and delicious for days.
Why These Muffins Are Perfect for Fall 🍃🎃
These Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins are the essence of autumn in a perfectly portable treat. With their moist crumb, vibrant cranberries, and warm spices, they’re a lovely way to celebrate the season. Whether you’re enjoying them with morning coffee, packing them in lunchboxes, or sharing them with friends, these muffins bring a bit of fall coziness to every bite.
So, if you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your fall baking lineup, give these muffins a try! They’re easy to make, deliciously festive, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the sweet, spiced aroma of pumpkin and cinnamon. Happy baking, and enjoy the flavors of the season!
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- ¼ cup milk or almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease with non-stick spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine the mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Fold in the cranberries: Gently fold in the dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill the muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake the muffins: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These muffins freeze well and can be reheated for a quick snack or breakfast.
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the tangy flavor of dried cranberries, making these muffins a delightful fall treat that’s both flavorful and festive!
🥄 Common Questions About Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes! If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain before adding to the batter. This helps keep the muffins moist and balances the tartness. 😊
Can I make these muffins ahead?
Absolutely! These muffins stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, or you can freeze them for longer storage. They’re perfect for meal prep! ❄️
What if I don’t have pumpkin spice?
No problem! Just use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (and a pinch of ginger if you have it) for that warm, autumnal flavor. 🍂
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