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
Scale
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.
