As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you have some extra cranberry sauce lingering in the fridge, these muffins are the perfect solution. Sweet, tangy, and wonderfully moist, they transform leftover holiday sauce into a delightfully fresh treat. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a midday pick-me-up, these muffins bring a burst of flavor and a dash of festive spirit to your table.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or your preferred alternative)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup melted butter (or a neutral oil)
- ¾ cup leftover cranberry sauce
- Zest of 1 orange (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners (or lightly greasing each cup). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, making sure everything is evenly combined.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and cooled melted butter until smooth. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until the batter is moistened—overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so keep a light hand. Fold in the cranberry sauce and the orange zest (if using) at the end, swirling them into the batter for pockets of tangy flavor.
Divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Pop the tin into your preheated oven and bake for around 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
These Zesty Holiday Morning Treats are delightful when served warm, especially with a slather of softened butter or a drizzle of honey.
Cranberry Sauce Muffins are not only a fantastic way to use up leftovers, but they’re also great for anyone who loves a sweet-tart combination in their baked goods. The muffin base lends itself well to substitutions—white whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend could be used for a healthier or allergy-friendly twist. Feel free to swap in other fruit sauces if cranberry isn’t your favorite, and don’t hesitate to stir in chopped nuts for added crunch. These muffins are quick to make, sure to impress, and perfectly capture a taste of holiday comfort in every bite.
