If you love bright, citrusy treats that can brighten any morning or afternoon snack, this Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These muffins are wonderfully soft, bursting with fresh orange zest and juice, and topped with a sweet, tangy glaze that takes them from simple to spectacular. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these muffins offer a perfect balance of sweet and citrus that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Let me show you how simple ingredients and a little love come together to create this delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe relies on a handful of simple pantry staples, each carefully chosen to contribute to the muffins’ tender crumb, bright flavor, and beautiful color. From the creamy tang of buttermilk to the sparkling freshness of real orange zest, every ingredient plays its part in making these muffins utterly irresistible.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb, the foundation of every great muffin.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the muffins their perfect rise and fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to lift the batter beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the orange flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide richness.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the citrus.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps muffins moist and tender without overwhelming flavor.
- Zest of 3 oranges: Packs in fresh citrus aroma and bright flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice: Intensifies the orange taste with natural sweetness and acidity.
- 1 1/3 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze for that perfect finishing touch.
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice: Brings a tangy brightness to the glaze.
How to Make Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line every other cavity of a 12-count muffin pan with liners – this spacing lets the heat circulate better, so your muffins bake evenly and have a beautifully shaped dome.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients will create the perfect balance of lift, sweetness, and structure in your muffins.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. This mixture brings moisture, richness, and that unmistakable bright citrus flavor.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing just until combined — you want to avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes; this helps the flour absorb the liquid for a better texture.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Liners
Fill each liner completely full and smooth the tops with the back of a spoon. This full filling helps your muffins rise into a nice, rounded shape that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Step 6: Bake in Two Stages
Bake the muffins at 425°F for 7 minutes to give them a strong initial rise. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 13 to 16 minutes. Your muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and their tops are golden.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Allow the muffins to cool directly in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth. Spoon or dip the glaze over each muffin, letting it drape deliciously over the sides.
How to Serve Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle the glazed muffins with finely chopped pistachios or a bit of extra orange zest. These additions not only bring texture but also enhance the vibrant appearance of your muffins, making them irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these orange muffins with a dollop of vanilla yogurt or a side of fresh berries for a balanced breakfast or snack. The creamy and fresh sides complement the citrus notes perfectly, creating harmony on your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking about impressing guests? Serve these muffins on a tiered stand with small bowls of marmalade, clotted cream, or honey. Alternatively, slice them in half and toast them lightly for a warm, crisp treat that elevates the orange glaze into a melty, sticky delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will maintain their freshness and softness without drying them out. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration can extend their life by a day but may slightly change the texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these muffins to enjoy later — just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To bring your muffins back to that freshly baked warmth, pop them in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes or microwave on medium power for about 20 seconds. The glaze will soften delightfully, making each bite as delicious as the first.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s tanginess, which helps the muffins rise properly and adds flavor.
How long do these muffins stay fresh?
Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, your Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 days. Beyond that, freezing is recommended for longer storage.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the orange glaze in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before glazing the muffins for the best consistency.
What if I don’t have orange zest?
While fresh orange zest adds a wonderful punch of flavor, you can use finely grated lemon zest as a substitute, although the taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
Are these muffins suitable for freezing after glazing?
It’s better to freeze the muffins before glazing. The glaze can sometimes become sticky or unsightly after freezing and thawing. Glaze them fresh once thawed for the best appearance and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that brings sunshine to your kitchen any day of the year, these Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe are a spectacular choice. Easy to make, packed with fresh citrus flavor, and perfect with a cuppa, they’re more than just muffins — they’re a slice of joy you can share with loved ones or savor yourself. I can’t wait for you to make them and fall in love just like I did!
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Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These moist and flavorful Orange Muffins feature a tender crumb infused with fresh orange zest and juice, topped with a sweet orange glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a citrusy snack, these muffins combine a simple batter with a tangy glaze for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Muffins
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Zest of 3 oranges
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
Glaze
- 1 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a 12-count muffin pan by lining every other cavity with muffin liners to ensure even baking and room for expansion.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined to create an even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, orange zest, and fresh squeezed orange juice until smooth and homogenous to fully incorporate the flavors.
- Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes to hydrate the flour and improve texture.
- Fill the muffin cups: Spoon the batter into the lined muffin cups, filling them completely full, then use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the tops for uniform rising and appearance.
- Bake the muffins: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake at 425°F for 7 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 13 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the muffins: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preparing them for glazing.
- Prepare and apply glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and fresh squeezed orange juice until smooth to form a glaze. Once the muffins have cooled, spoon or dip the glaze over the tops, allowing it to set and enhance the orange flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter texture, avoid overmixing the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined.
- Lining every other muffin cavity helps ensure even heat circulation and better muffin shape.
- Make sure the muffins are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- You can store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
- To enhance the orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract to the wet ingredients if desired.
