Muffins with cranberries, walnuts, and cinnamon

Cranberry, Walnut, and Cinnamon Muffins: A Flavorful Delight

Who doesn’t love muffins? These fluffy, aromatic treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a savory breakfast, a snack during the day, or a flavorful dessert. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing cranberry, walnut, and cinnamon muffins that will delight both your taste buds and your eyes. These muffins are easy to make, and the combination of flavors makes them truly special.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Necessary Ingredients:

To achieve the most delicious muffins, you will need the following ingredients:

- 250 g flour
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 ml milk
- 3 eggs
- 100 g cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- A pinch of saffron
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons walnuts (chopped or ground)
- 1/2 dark chocolate (grated, preferably high quality)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
It’s essential that all ingredients are at room temperature. This way, the muffins will have a more uniform texture. Take the butter out of the fridge a little while before starting.

2. Mixing Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl or food processor, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until the mixture becomes creamy and the sugar is completely dissolved (about 3-4 minutes).

3. Adding the Eggs:
Add one egg at a time, mixing well after each addition. It’s important not to add all the eggs at once, as this risks curdling the mixture. Continue mixing until the eggs are fully integrated.

4. Combining Flour and Milk:
Start adding the flour, alternating with the milk. Mix well after each addition until you obtain a thicker, yet homogeneous batter. Remember, the batter should not be too soft.

5. Spices and Flavors:
Finally, add the vanilla extract, saffron, grated ginger, grated dark chocolate, and mix well. If you want an extra flavor, the seeds from a vanilla pod are optional but highly recommended.

6. Preparing the Muffin Tray:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place paper liners in the muffin tray. Fill each liner with about 1 tablespoon of batter. Then, add a few cranberries to each liner, followed by another tablespoon of batter to cover them well.

7. Crunchy Topping:
Mix the chopped walnuts with cinnamon and a packet of vanilla sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over each muffin, and for a delicious look, add a few cranberries on top.

8. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Check the muffins at 20 minutes with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

9. Cooling and Serving:
Let the muffins cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions:

These cranberry, walnut, and cinnamon muffins pair perfectly with a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. You can also serve them with a teaspoon of raspberry, strawberry, or peach jam for an extra burst of flavor.

Variations:

If you want to explore new flavors, try adding a teaspoon of raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam inside. The variations are limitless, and the muffins can be customized according to your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits:

These muffins are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Cranberries are known for their antioxidant properties, and walnuts provide essential fatty acids. Additionally, cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels and adds a warm, comforting flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other types of fruit?
Of course! You can replace cranberries with blueberries, cherries, or even banana pieces, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I keep the muffins fresh longer?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature and consume them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.

3. Can I make this batter in advance?
It is not recommended to prepare the batter too far in advance, but you can prepare the ingredients a few hours ahead and combine them when you are ready to bake.

Conclusion:

These cranberry, walnut, and cinnamon muffins are an ideal choice for any time of the day. With a unique taste and fluffy texture, they are easy to prepare and will surely become a beloved recipe in your family. So, embrace the art of muffins and enjoy every bite! Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!