Cranberry Muffins

Cranberry Muffins: The Refreshing Taste of Mornings

When it comes to breakfast or quick snacks, muffins are at the top of the list of favorites. These fluffy delights are not only easy to prepare but can also be a healthy option, especially when filled with antioxidant-rich cranberries. I invite you to discover our cranberry muffin recipe, a quick, simple dessert that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or fragrant tea.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 26-28 muffins

Ingredients you need:

- 500 g flour
- 150 g brown sugar
- 180-200 g dried cranberries
- 250 ml milk
- 250 g yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 50 g milk or dark chocolate
- 6 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 2-3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda

Ingredient tips:
- Dried cranberries: These are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. You can use sweetened or unsweetened cranberries, depending on your preferences.
- Chocolate: Choose your favorite chocolate to add extra flavor to the muffins. Dark chocolate offers a more intense note, while milk chocolate adds extra sweetness.
- Oil: You can use sunflower oil or olive oil, but make sure it is of good quality to avoid affecting the final taste.

Preparing cranberry muffins:

1. Melting the chocolate: Start by breaking the chocolate into small pieces and melting it in a double boiler. Make sure no water gets into the chocolate bowl to avoid clumping. Once melted, let it cool slightly.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cocoa, and brown sugar. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Beating the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk, yogurt, and oil. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

4. Combining the ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently, just until the ingredients are combined. It’s important not to overmix, or the muffins will become dense.

5. Adding the chocolate and cranberries: Incorporate the melted chocolate, ensuring it is not too hot, and the dried cranberries. Mix gently to avoid breaking the cranberries.

6. Filling the molds: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Use muffin molds, preferably silicone, to prevent sticking. Fill the molds up to 3/4 full to allow the muffins to rise beautifully.

7. Baking: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check if the muffins are done by inserting a toothpick in the middle; it should come out clean.

8. Cooling: Once the muffins are baked, let them cool for a few minutes in the tray, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

Helpful tricks:
- If you want to enhance the appearance of the muffins, you can sprinkle some extra cranberries on top before baking.
- Another trick to prevent sticking is to use baking paper in the molds, even if you are using silicone molds.
- If you prefer less sweet muffins, you can reduce the sugar by 20%.

Nutritional benefits:
Cranberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, thus helping to strengthen the immune system and promote digestive health. Additionally, the yogurt in the recipe adds probiotics, beneficial for gut flora.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh cranberries? Absolutely! If you use fresh cranberries, make sure to dry them well before adding them to the mixture.
- How can I store the muffins? Cranberry muffins store well in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature or in the fridge for a week. You can freeze them to enjoy later.
- Can I substitute yogurt with something else? Yes, you can use buttermilk or another type of yogurt, such as Greek yogurt.

Serving suggestions:
These cranberry muffins are delicious warm or at room temperature, paired with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or fragrant tea. You can serve them with a drizzle of honey or a yogurt sauce for an extra touch of flavor. They are also ideal for taking along as a healthy snack throughout the day.

Possible variations:
- Replace cranberries with dried blueberries or chopped nuts for a different twist.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the mixture to enhance the sweet flavors.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! These cranberry muffins are perfect for enjoying during your relaxation moments or for gifting as a sweet treat to friends and family. Happy cooking!