Introduction
Whether it’s a snowy December morning or a bright spring brunch, cranberry muffins bring the perfect mix of tangy and sweet to your table. Each bite offers a burst of tart cranberries wrapped in a fluffy, buttery crumb. These 25 cranberry muffin recipes range from cozy Christmas treats to simple year-round favorites — so grab your whisk and let’s bake some magic!
1. Classic Cranberry Muffins
The timeless favorite — soft, moist muffins with a burst of cranberry tang in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (halved)
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line or grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, vanilla, and eggs.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed.
- Fold in cranberries gently.
- Divide batter evenly among cups.
- Bake 18–20 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
How to Serve It:
Dust lightly with powdered sugar and enjoy warm with butter or honey.
2. Cranberry Orange Muffins
Sweet orange and tart cranberry make a bright, festive pairing that’s perfect for brunch or the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk orange juice, butter, and egg.
- Mix wet into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in cranberries.
- Spoon into muffin cups and bake 20–22 minutes.
How to Serve It:
Top with a drizzle of orange glaze or sprinkle with coarse sugar for sparkle.
3. White Chocolate Cranberry Muffins
Creamy white chocolate pairs beautifully with tart cranberries for a dessert-style muffin.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk butter, milk, and eggs in another bowl.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in cranberries and chocolate chips.
- Bake 18–22 minutes or until golden.
How to Serve It:
Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
4. Cranberry Almond Muffins
Nutty, buttery flavor with pops of tart cranberry — a perfect cozy breakfast choice.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup almond milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- ¾ cup cranberries
- ¼ cup sliced almonds (plus extra for topping)
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix almond milk, butter, eggs, and extract.
- Combine mixtures, then fold in cranberries and almonds.
- Fill muffin cups and top with extra almonds.
- Bake 20–22 minutes or until tops are golden.
How to Serve It:
Enjoy warm with honey or almond butter spread on top.
5. Cranberry Streusel Muffins
Sweet crumb topping meets tangy fruit for a café-style treat you’ll make all season long.
Ingredients:
Muffins:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
Streusel:
- ¼ cup butter, cold
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make streusel by cutting butter into flour, sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly.
- In another bowl, whisk muffin dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.
- Fold in cranberries.
- Fill cups ¾ full, top with streusel.
- Bake 22–25 minutes or until golden.
How to Serve It:
Serve warm with a cinnamon drizzle for a cozy holiday morning.
6. Lemon Cranberry Muffins
Refreshing lemon flavor cuts through cranberry tartness for a cheerful, zesty muffin.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and zest.
- Mix buttermilk, butter, and egg.
- Combine wet and dry, fold in cranberries.
- Bake 18–20 minutes.
How to Serve It:
Drizzle with lemon glaze and sprinkle with zest before serving.
7. Cranberry Walnut Muffins
Crunchy walnuts add texture and a nutty twist to classic cranberry muffins.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk butter, milk, and eggs.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until blended.
- Fold in cranberries and walnuts.
- Fill muffin tins and bake 20–22 minutes.
How to Serve It:
Serve warm with a pat of butter or drizzle with maple syrup.
8. Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins
These wholesome muffins combine hearty oats and tart cranberries — great for breakfast on the go.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup oil
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in milk, egg, and oil until just combined.
- Fold in cranberries.
- Bake 20–22 minutes or until firm and golden.
How to Serve It:
Top with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
9. Cranberry Apple Muffins
A perfect fall bake — juicy apple chunks meet tangy cranberries for a comforting muffin.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup diced apple
- ¾ cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix dry ingredients together.
- Whisk butter, milk, and eggs in another bowl.
- Combine and fold in apples and cranberries.
- Fill muffin tins and bake 20–25 minutes.
How to Serve It:
Top with cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
10. Christmas Spiced Cranberry Muffins
A holiday favorite — warm spices, sweet aroma, and ruby cranberries bring Christmas cheer to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk all dry ingredients together.
- In another bowl, whisk butter, milk, and eggs.
- Combine and fold in cranberries.
- Spoon into muffin cups and bake 22 minutes.
How to Serve It:
Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with spiced tea or cider.
11. Cranberry Coconut Muffins
A tropical twist on traditional muffins — the mild sweetness of coconut complements tart cranberries beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine dry ingredients in one bowl.
- Mix coconut milk, butter, and eggs in another.
- Stir wet into dry until combined.
- Fold in shredded coconut and cranberries.
- Bake 20–22 minutes.
How to Serve It:
Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes before serving.
12. Cranberry Banana Muffins
Ripe bananas add moisture and sweetness to balance the tartness of cranberries.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix bananas, butter, and egg.
- Combine and fold in cranberries.
- Bake 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How to Serve It:
Serve warm with a smear of peanut butter for a hearty snack.
13. Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins
Creamy and tangy — these muffins combine smooth cream cheese and bright cranberries for a bakery-level treat.
Ingredients:
Muffin Batter:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix muffin batter ingredients in two bowls (dry and wet), then combine.
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fill muffin cups halfway, add a spoon of cream cheese, then top with more batter.
- Bake 22–25 minutes until golden and set.
How to Serve It:
Chill slightly before serving for a creamy texture contrast.
14. Cranberry Pistachio Muffins
These muffins burst with color and flavor — a chewy, nutty base meets tangy cranberries for a truly festive bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together.
- Mix butter, milk, and eggs in another bowl.
- Combine mixtures and fold in cranberries and pistachios.
- Divide batter into cups and bake 20–22 minutes.
How to Serve It:
Top with crushed pistachios for extra crunch and color.
15. Cranberry Maple Muffins
Natural maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with tart cranberries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine dry ingredients in one bowl.
- Mix butter, syrup, milk, and eggs in another.
- Stir wet into dry until just combined.
- Fold in cranberries and bake 22–24 minutes.
How to Serve It:
Drizzle warm muffins with extra maple syrup or serve with whipped butter.
16. Cranberry Gingerbread Muffins
The warm spices of gingerbread meet the bright pop of cranberries in this holiday-season must-have.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup molasses
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Whisk molasses, sugar, butter, buttermilk, and egg together.
- Mix wet and dry, then fold in cranberries.
- Spoon into muffin cups and bake 20–22 minutes.
How to Serve It:
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
17. Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Muffins
Tangy orange, nutty poppy seeds, and tart cranberries create a refreshing muffin perfect for brunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix dry ingredients together.
- Whisk orange juice, butter, and egg.
- Combine and fold in zest, poppy seeds, and cranberries.
- Bake 20 minutes until lightly golden.
How to Serve It:
Glaze with a simple orange icing for extra sweetness.
18. Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Muffins
Creamy sweetness from white chocolate balances the tart cranberries — a bakery-worthy muffin.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine dry ingredients in one bowl.
- Mix butter, milk, and eggs in another.
- Combine both and fold in cranberries and chips.
- Bake 20–22 minutes or until set.
How to Serve It:
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the tops once cooled.
19. Cranberry Yogurt Muffins
Yogurt keeps these muffins soft and moist while adding a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Whisk yogurt, oil, and eggs together.
- Stir wet into dry until smooth.
- Fold in cranberries and bake 18–20 minutes.
How to Serve It:
Serve with honey or a dollop of vanilla yogurt on top.
20. Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin puree gives these muffins a moist, tender crumb while cranberries add a festive tang — a true autumn favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and spices together.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin, oil, and eggs.
- Combine and fold in cranberries.
- Divide batter into muffin tins and bake 20–25 minutes.
How to Serve It:
Serve with cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
21. Cranberry Lemon Pecan Muffins
Crunchy pecans and zesty lemon brighten every bite of these refreshing cranberry muffins.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk milk, butter, eggs, and zest together.
- Combine and fold in cranberries and pecans.
- Bake 20–22 minutes.
How to Serve It:
Drizzle with lemon glaze for a sparkling finish.
22. Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Muffins
Dark chocolate chunks and tart cranberries create a decadent flavor balance that satisfies every craving.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix butter, milk, and eggs in another.
- Stir together and fold in chocolate chunks and cranberries.
- Bake 22–24 minutes or until set.
How to Serve It:
Top with shaved chocolate for an indulgent touch.
23. Cranberry Honey Muffins
Sweetened naturally with honey, these muffins are soft, aromatic, and a little healthier than most.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup oil
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together.
- Mix honey, oil, milk, and eggs separately.
- Combine and fold in cranberries.
- Bake 22–25 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It:
Brush warm muffins with extra honey for a glossy finish.
24. Cranberry Carrot Muffins
A wholesome muffin loaded with carrots and cranberries — perfect for a nutritious breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup grated carrots
- ½ cup oil
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Whisk oil, eggs, and milk together.
- Stir wet into dry, then fold in carrots and cranberries.
- Bake 20–22 minutes or until firm.
How to Serve It:
Enjoy with cream cheese spread or a drizzle of maple syrup.
25. Holiday Cranberry Muffins with Vanilla Glaze
The ultimate holiday muffin — soft, sweet, and beautifully festive with a smooth vanilla glaze.
Ingredients:
Muffins:
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cranberries
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine dry ingredients in one bowl.
- Whisk butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla together.
- Combine, then fold in cranberries.
- Bake 20–22 minutes and cool slightly.
- Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled muffins.
How to Serve It:
Top with sugared cranberries or orange zest for a picture-perfect finish.
Conclusion
Cranberry muffins are the perfect blend of tart and sweet — whether you’re baking for the holidays or brightening up your everyday mornings. From nutty and spiced to chocolatey or citrusy, these 25 muffin recipes bring warmth, color, and comfort to every bite. Save your favorites, share them with family, and bake a batch whenever you need a little homemade joy.
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