Pin Festive, light, and bursting with juicy blueberries, these Budget Christmas Blueberry Muffins are perfect for holiday mornings and won't break the bank. Their warm cinnamon and orange zest flavors evoke a cozy holiday spirit, while the tender crumb makes them a delightful snack or dessert any time of day. Enjoy these muffins fresh from the oven or pack them up as a thoughtful homemade gift during the festive season.
Pin This recipe balances the classic blueberry muffin with seasonal flavors and an affordable approach. The combination of spices and citrus zest elevates these muffins beyond everyday treats into a festive joy. Whether you use fresh or frozen berries, the result is always a tender, moist muffin with delightful flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg - Wet Ingredients
2 large eggs
1 cup (240 ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange - Fruit
1 1/4 cups (180 g) frozen or fresh blueberries (do not thaw if using frozen) - Optional Topping
2 tbsp coarse sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
- 2. Mix dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- 3. Mix wet ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and orange zest until combined.
- 4. Combine wet and dry
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
- 5. Fold in blueberries
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
- 6. Fill muffin cups
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
- 7. Add topping
- For a festive touch, mix topping sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle on top of each muffin.
- 8. Bake
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 9. Cool
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Careful not to overmix the batter to maintain tender muffins with a light crumb. Gently folding in the blueberries ensures they stay whole and evenly distributed. Using frozen berries without thawing prevents them from bleeding color into the batter and keeps the muffins visually appealing.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus note. Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips for a richer treat. For dairy-free muffins, use plant-based milk and oil. These muffins also freeze well; cool completely and store in an airtight container for convenient future indulgence.
Serviervorschläge
Enjoy these muffins warm or at room temperature with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. They make a lovely accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Package them in festive wrapping for delightful homemade gifts that spread holiday cheer.
Pin With its delicious balance of spice, citrus, and juicy berries, this budget-friendly Christmas muffin recipe is sure to be a holiday favorite for years to come. Simple to prepare and delightful to share, these muffins encapsulate the warmth and joy of the season in every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes these muffins festive?
The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg along with orange zest gives these muffins a cozy, holiday-inspired flavor.
- → Can frozen blueberries be used?
Yes, frozen blueberries can be added directly without thawing, helping keep the batter from turning purple.
- → How can I make these dairy-free?
Simply substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- → Is it necessary to add the cinnamon sugar topping?
The topping adds a sweet crunch and enhances the festive feel, but the muffins taste great without it as well.
- → What is the best way to store these muffins?
Once cooled, store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or freeze for longer preservation.
- → Can lemon zest be used instead of orange zest?
Yes, substituting lemon zest provides a different citrus note while maintaining the bright flavor profile.