Christmas Morning Muffins with Red and Green Toppings
These festive Christmas Morning Muffins are the perfect holiday breakfast treat! Bursting with the flavors of sweet cranberries and crunchy pistachios, they’re topped with vibrant red and green sprinkles for a cheerful touch. Light, fluffy, and easy to make, they’re ideal for Christmas morning or holiday brunch. This recipe is simple enough to whip up in no time, ensuring a magical start to your day filled with holiday cheer.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls – One large and one medium for wet and dry ingredients.
- 1 Whisk – To mix the ingredients evenly.
- 1 Spatula – For folding wet and dry ingredients together.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
- 1 Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin.
- Muffin Liners – Festive holiday-themed liners for easy cleanup and presentation.
- 1 Baking Sheet (Optional) – To place under the muffin tin if liners are overfilled.
- 1 Spoon or Cookie Scoop – For evenly dividing batter into muffin cups.
- 1 Cooling Rack – To cool the muffins evenly after baking.
- 1 Toothpick or Cake Tester – To check muffin doneness.
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp Baking soda
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Ground cinnamon (optional, for a hint of warmth)
- ¼ tsp Ground nutmeg
- 2 Large eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) Vegetable oil
- ¾ cup (180ml) Milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) Dried cranberries
- ½ cup (60g) Chopped pistachios
For the Toppings:
- Red sprinkles
- Green sprinkles
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with festive holiday-themed liners or grease the cups well.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine and Add Mix-Ins
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pistachios. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Step 6: Add the Festive Toppings
- Sprinkle the tops of the muffins generously with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- For an extra festive finish, dust with powdered sugar once completely cooled.
Notes
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead:These Christmas Morning Muffins are perfect for preparing ahead of time! You can bake them the night before and store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can prepare the batter the day before, store it covered in the refrigerator, and bake fresh muffins in the morning. Just allow the batter to come to room temperature before baking for the best results. Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb any moisture and keep the muffins fresh.
- Refrigerator: If you prefer longer storage, place the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.
- Freezer: To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave or oven.