Sunshine Orange Muffins Recipe

Introduction

Bright and zesty, these Sunshine Orange Muffins are a delightful way to start your day or enjoy as a cheerful snack. Bursting with fresh orange flavor and topped with a sweet glaze, they’re sure to lift your spirits and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• Zest of 2 large oranges (reserve a pinch for topping)
• Juice of 1 large orange (for batter and glaze)
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: Add the orange zest to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar and flour mixture. This releases the citrus oils and boosts the orange flavor.
4. Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and 2 tablespoons of the fresh orange juice.
5. Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spoon or spatula just until combined. It’s okay if there are some lumps; overmixing can make the muffins tough.
6. Step 6: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Step 7: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: While the muffins cool slightly in the pan, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice. Add juice gradually to reach your preferred drizzling consistency.
9. Step 9: Once the muffins are cool enough to handle, remove them from the pan and place on a wire rack. Drizzle generously with the orange glaze and sprinkle with the reserved pinch of fresh orange zest for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a citrus twist, substitute half the orange zest with lemon zest.
• Use buttermilk instead of milk for a tangier flavor and softer texture.
• Add a handful of blueberries or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Ensure gentle mixing to keep muffins light and fluffy; overmixing develops gluten and makes them dense.

Storage

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of bottled juice?

Yes, fresh orange juice is best for a bright, natural flavor in both the batter and glaze.

What can I use if I don’t have vegetable oil?

You can substitute an equal amount of melted butter or light olive oil for a slightly different but delicious taste.

Sunshine Orange Muffins Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 52 reviews

Sunshine Orange Muffins are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. These homemade muffins combine fresh orange zest and juice with a tender crumb, topped with a sweet orange glaze that adds extra sweetness and tang. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light snack, they bring a refreshing, sunny start to your day.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 2 large oranges (reserve a pinch for topping)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• Juice of 1 large orange (for batter and glaze)

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glazing)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Add and rub in orange zest: Add the orange zest to the dry mixture. Use your fingertips to gently rub the zest into the flour and sugar; this releases essential oils and enhances the orange flavor in your muffins.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth.
5. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spoon or spatula just until combined; lumps are fine. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
6. Fill muffin cups: Evenly distribute the batter between the 12 muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
7. Bake the muffins: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean.
8. Prepare the glaze: While muffins cool slightly in the pan, whisk together powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice in a small bowl. Adjust juice quantity a teaspoon at a time until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze.
9. Glaze and finish: Once the muffins are cool enough to handle, remove them from the pan and place on a wire rack. Drizzle each muffin generously with the orange glaze, then sprinkle with the reserved pinch of fresh orange zest for an aromatic, colorful finish.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to ensure the muffins remain tender and soft.
• The orange zest rubbing step really boosts citrus flavor, don’t skip it.
• If fresh orange juice is not available, bottled juice can be used, though fresh is preferable for best flavor.
• These muffins are best served the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk.

Keywords: orange muffins, citrus muffins, breakfast muffins, homemade muffins, orange zest muffins, glazed muffins, easy muffin recipe, quick breakfast