Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Bursting with vibrant flavors and a creamy surprise, these Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Each fluffy, golden muffin is studded with tart cranberries and swirled with a rich cream cheese mixture, creating the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite. A hint of orange zest adds a touch of brightness, elevating their festive appeal. Simple to make in just 35 minutes, this recipe is ideal for holiday gatherings, brunch spreads, or a cozy snack with coffee. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these muffins are sure to impress, and they store beautifully for up to three days.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 large Egg
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 0.33 cup Unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups Fresh or frozen cranberries
• 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons Powdered sugar
• 1 large Egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon Zest of an orange (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3

Melt the unsalted butter and let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, butter, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 4

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if the batter looks slightly lumpy.

Step 5

Fold the cranberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding.

Step 6

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and orange zest (if using) until smooth and creamy.

Step 7

Spoon the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Step 8

Add a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of the cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin, then use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl it into the batter.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese) comes out clean.

Step 10

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11

Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1198.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2666.0

Total Fat 94.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 50.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g
Cholesterol 640.7mg	0%
Sodium 2672.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 416.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 202.7g
Protein 50.9g	0%

Vitamin D 179.3IU	0%
Calcium 529.9mg	0%
Iron 13.6mg	0%
Potassium 1087.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.2%

Protein: 7.5%

Carbs: 61.3%