Orange and hazelnut muffins

Orange and Hazelnut Muffins – a Christmas Delight

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Every year, as Christmas approaches, the fresh scent of oranges fills the house and reminds us of the warm holiday atmosphere. This recipe for orange and hazelnut muffins is perfect for bringing a touch of magic to the chilly winter days. Delicate and fragrant, these muffins combine the intense flavor of orange with the crunch of roasted hazelnuts, creating a dessert loved by the whole family.

The history of muffins is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Over time, muffins have evolved from simple breakfast pastries to true holiday delicacies. Each recipe carries a story, and the combination of oranges and hazelnuts offers a festive note, perfect for Christmas.

Necessary ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 200 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 80 g butter (preferably unsalted)
- Zest of one orange
- Puree from one orange (about one medium orange)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 10 g roasted nuts (optional)
- 100 g roasted hazelnuts
- A pinch of salt

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a muffin tray by greasing it with a little butter or using paper liners.

2. Separating the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to use fresh eggs to achieve a fluffy meringue later.

3. Mixing the yolks: In a large bowl, add the yolks, salt, and half of the sugar (75 g). Use an electric mixer to beat them for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy.

4. Adding flavors: Gradually incorporate the vanilla, orange zest, and orange puree. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. This step is essential to bring the fresh orange flavor into every bite.

5. Including the butter: Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before adding it to the mixture. This will give the muffins a rich and moist texture.

6. Incorporating dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet mixture, adding them gradually. Gently mix with a spatula, being careful not to overwork the batter to keep the muffins fluffy.

7. Hazelnuts and nuts: Add the roasted hazelnuts and nuts (keeping some for decoration) and mix gently. These will add a crunchy contrast and intense flavor.

8. Preparing the meringue: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar (75 g) until you achieve a stiff meringue. This step is crucial to give the muffins an airy texture.

9. Incorporating the meringue: Start incorporating the meringue into the muffin batter using a spatula. It is important to use gentle, upward motions to avoid deflating the meringue.

10. Filling the molds: Fill the muffin molds with batter, leaving about 1/3 space to allow for rising. This will ensure that the muffins do not overflow during baking.

11. Decorating: Sprinkle the roasted hazelnut pieces on top of the batter for an attractive look and an extra crunch.

12. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for about 35 minutes. Check if they are baked by inserting a toothpick in the center of one; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

13. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the muffins cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These delicious muffins can be served plain, alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or you can pair them with warm chocolate sauce for a delightful contrast.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to achieve a uniform batter.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace the orange puree with mandarin or grapefruit puree.
- Muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but they are most delicious on the day they are baked.

Nutritional benefits:
This dessert is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system, while hazelnuts provide a healthy source of fats and proteins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use vegetable butter instead of regular butter? Yes, but the texture and flavor of the muffins will be different.
- How can I make the muffins less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar by up to 30 g, depending on your preferences.

These orange and hazelnut muffins are perfect for enjoying with family and friends during the holidays. Whether you give them as a gift or serve them at a festive meal, they are sure to bring smiles and joy. Enjoy!