Name: Christmas Muffins with Chocolate, Cranberries, and Orange Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 250g self-raising flour; 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda; 200g golden caster sugar; 2 tsp cinnamon; ¼ nutmeg, freshly grated; Pinch of salt; 125g unsalted butter; 150g natural yogurt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 medium eggs; 1 orange, zested and juiced; 150g chocolate (white, milk or dark), chopped; 50g dried cranberries; 50g icing sugar; 2 tbsp pearl sugar (optional)

Ingredients

125g unsalted butter

250g self-raising flour

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

200g golden caster sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

¼ nutmeg, freshly grated

150g natural yogurt

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 medium eggs

1 orange, zested and juiced

150g chocolate (white, milk or dark), chopped

50g dried cranberries

50g icing sugar

2 tbsp pearl sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4 and line a 12-hole muffin tray with paper muffin cases.

Step 2: Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small pan over low heat, then set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the self-raising flour, bicarbonate of soda, golden caster sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: In another bowl, combine the cooled melted butter with the natural yogurt, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix well.

Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients along with the orange zest, chopped chocolate, and dried cranberries. Stir until there are no dry patches of flour.

Step 6: Divide the mixture evenly among the paper cases in the muffin tray.

Step 7: Bake for 30 minutes until the muffins have risen and are golden. Test by inserting a cocktail stick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they’re done. If not, bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for at least 10 minutes.

Step 9: Meanwhile, mix the icing sugar with enough of the orange juice to create a loose glaze. Brush this orange glaze over each muffin and, if using, sprinkle with pearl sugar.

Step 10: Let the muffins cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use your choice of chocolate—white, milk, or dark—to suit your taste or create a mix for added texture and flavor.

For a nutty touch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

Pearl sugar adds a lovely crunch and festive look but can be omitted if unavailable.

Swap dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots to vary the dried fruit component.

FAQs

Can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based yogurt to keep the texture moist and tender.

How do I know when the muffins are fully baked?

Insert a cocktail stick or toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the muffins are ready. If wet batter sticks to it, bake for a few more minutes and test again.