There’s just something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The warmth of the oven, the delightful aromas wafting through the house, and that feeling of togetherness as you whip up something special. These *Christmas muffins* are not just any muffins; they’re a festive treat that brings family and friends together, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. I remember the first time I baked these with my kids—flour flying everywhere, laughter filling the kitchen, and those sweet, spiced muffins popping out of the oven, just waiting to be devoured. Trust me, there’s no better way to spread holiday cheer than sharing these delightful bites with loved ones. So, let’s dive into making these scrumptious muffins that will surely become a holiday tradition in your home!
Ingredients for Christmas Muffins
Gather up these simple yet delightful ingredients to create the most festive *Christmas muffins* ever!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Make sure your butter is melted and slightly cooled before mixing, and don’t forget to chop those walnuts to add a crunchy texture! You can even swap out cranberries for raisins or chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Christmas Muffins
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making these delightful *Christmas muffins*! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those muffins to bake evenly and rise beautifully.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is well-mixed and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This is where the magic starts, so make sure it’s well blended!
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—lumpy batter is perfectly okay! Next, fold in those dried cranberries and chopped walnuts. I love the burst of flavor they add! Then, fill your muffin tins about two-thirds full with this scrumptious batter.
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once they’re golden brown and smelling heavenly, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—festive muffins ready to share (or enjoy all by yourself)!
Tips for Success with Christmas Muffins
To ensure your *Christmas muffins* turn out perfectly every time, here are my favorite tips! First, be sure to measure your flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. If you’re out of eggs, you can substitute each egg with a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce. For extra moisture, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter. And don’t forget to keep an eye on your muffins while baking; ovens can be tricky! If they start to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil. Happy baking!
FAQ About Christmas Muffins
Got questions about these delightful *Christmas muffins*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Absolutely! Just be aware that fresh cranberries are tart, so you might want to add a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.
How can I make these muffins healthier? You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener.
Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the muffin tins.
What’s the best way to store leftover muffins? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them in a zip-top bag!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Muffins
These festive *Christmas muffins* are not only delicious but also provide a satisfying treat during the holiday season. Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information per muffin:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands used. Enjoy your holiday baking and indulge in these delightful muffins without worry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These *Christmas muffins* are bound to become your new holiday favorite for so many reasons!
- Irresistible flavor: The warm spices and tart cranberries create a delightful taste that screams festive cheer.
- Easy to make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up without a hitch.
- Perfect for gatherings: They’re great for holiday parties, cozy breakfasts, or as a sweet surprise for neighbors.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for a personal touch.
- Make-ahead friendly: Bake them in advance and enjoy the flavors of Christmas whenever you please!
Trust me, once you taste these muffins, you’ll understand why they’re a holiday must-have!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Christmas muffins* fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to savor them longer, pop them in the freezer! Just wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag. They’ll stay good for up to two months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. For a warm treat, you can reheat them briefly in the microwave—just 10-15 seconds should do the trick. Enjoy that cozy, just-baked goodness anytime!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Muffins
These delightful *Christmas muffins* are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a few treats! Enjoy them alongside a steaming cup of spiced chai or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. For a festive breakfast spread, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream cheese or a smear of homemade cranberry sauce. Either way, they’re sure to brighten your holiday table!
Imprimer
Christmas Muffins That Will Spark Holiday Joy
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 12 muffins 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious and festive Christmas muffins perfect for the holiday season.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in cranberries and walnuts.
- Fill muffin tins 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Freeze for longer shelf life.
- Feel free to substitute cranberries with raisins or chocolate chips.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 26g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: christmas muffins, holiday baking, festive treats
