Delightful Low-Fat Cranberry Muffins Recipe
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Category: Quick Breads
Keywords: Breads, Berries, Fruit, Healthy, Winter, Christmas, < 30 Mins, Oven
If you’re craving a delicious, festive treat but want to keep things light and healthy, these Delightful Low-Fat Cranberry Muffins are exactly what you need! Bursting with the vibrant tang of fresh cranberries and a hint of citrus, these muffins are a perfect snack for chilly winter mornings or a festive addition to your Christmas breakfast table. They come from the Dr. Cookie Cookbook, which specializes in turning classic recipes into healthier versions without compromising on taste. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re easy to make and perfect for anyone looking for a low-fat option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Ingredients for Delightful Low-Fat Cranberry Muffins
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Egg | 1 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Margarine (or light butter) | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh cranberries | 1 cup |
| Frozen cranberries | 1 cup |
| Orange juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Orange peel, grated | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per muffin)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 178 |
| Total Fat | 2.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6g |
| Cholesterol | 15.5mg |
| Sodium | 168.3mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 36.4g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1g |
| Sugars | 18.9g |
| Protein | 2.9g |
Instructions for Delightful Low-Fat Cranberry Muffins
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your muffins will bake evenly and rise beautifully. -
Prepare the Muffin Tin
Lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the muffins from sticking during baking. Alternatively, you can line the tin with paper muffin liners for easy removal. -
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later. -
Make the Wet Batter
In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat together 1 egg, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of margarine (or light butter) until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined. This creates a creamy base for your muffin batter. -
Add Orange Juice and Peel
To infuse a subtle citrus flavor, add 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and 1 teaspoon of grated orange peel to the wet mixture. Beat for a few more seconds until everything is fully incorporated. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using a spatula or spoon. Mix just until combined – avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense muffins. Stir in both fresh and frozen cranberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. -
Spoon the Batter into Muffin Cups
Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Fill each cup about two-thirds full for the best rise and texture. -
Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the muffins are lightly browned, have puffed up, and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. -
Cool in the Tin
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to remove. -
Remove and Serve
After cooling slightly, gently remove the muffins from the tin and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. You can also enjoy them while still warm—either way, they are absolutely delicious!
These Delightful Low-Fat Cranberry Muffins are perfect for anyone seeking a lighter yet indulgent breakfast or snack. The combination of fresh and frozen cranberries creates a wonderful balance of tartness and sweetness, while the orange juice and zest bring a zesty kick that complements the berries perfectly. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee, serving them at a holiday brunch, or simply grabbing one on the go, these muffins will surely brighten your day without weighing you down.
Pro Tip
For a touch of extra flavor, you can sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients before mixing, adding a cozy, warm spice note that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
Feel free to make these muffins ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. They also make an excellent gift for friends and family during the winter holidays, offering a healthy twist on traditional muffin recipes.
Enjoy baking these delightful, healthier cranberry muffins and share them with your loved ones!
