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These Delightful Nigella Christmas Muffins are perfect for bringing joy to your festive mornings. The combination of citrus and spices makes them aromatic and delicious. Plus, they are easy to make and a lovely treat for family and friends during the holiday season. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or a festive breakfast spread, these muffins are sure to brighten your day!
How to Make Delightful Nigella Christmas Muffins
Ingredients
- 250 grams plain flour (use all-purpose flour for best results)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (ensure it’s fresh for optimal effectiveness)
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (can substitute with additional baking powder if necessary)
- 150 grams caster sugar (regular granulated sugar works too)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (freshly grated enhances the flavor)
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated is recommended for the best taste)
- 2 pieces clementines (mandarins can be used as a substitute)
- 200 milliliters full-fat milk (substitute with plant-based milk for dairy-free version)
- 100 milliliters vegetable oil (unsalted butter can be used, cool before adding)
- 1 piece egg (for vegan muffins, consider using a flaxseed egg)
- 150 grams dried cranberries (feel free to mix in raisins or blueberries)
- 50 grams demerara sugar (coarse sugar can replace it for similar effect)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tray with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix the plain flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, caster sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Zest and juice the clementines and add them to the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the dried cranberries.
- Divide the muffin batter evenly among the liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Sprinkle demerara sugar on top of each muffin for a sweet crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into a muffin.
- Let the muffins cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Delightful Nigella Christmas Muffins
These muffins are delightful when served warm, perhaps with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Pair them with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the ultimate festive experience. You can also serve them on a festive platter at gatherings or as a sweet surprise for a holiday brunch.
How to Store Delightful Nigella Christmas Muffins
To store these muffins, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. When freezing, wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven.
Tips to Make Delightful Nigella Christmas Muffins
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- If you want extra flavor, consider adding a few chocolate chips or walnuts to the batter.
- For a gluten-free version, replace the plain flour with a suitable gluten-free flour blend.
Variation
You can customize these muffins by adding different dried fruits or nuts. For instance, try using chopped apples, diced pears, or adding walnuts for an extra crunch. Spices can also be adjusted based on your preferences, so feel free to experiment!
FAQs
Can I make these muffins vegan?
Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg and use plant-based milk and vegetable oil to make them vegan.
How can I make these muffins more festive?
Add in some festive spices like ground ginger or a pinch of clove. You can also decorate the tops with icing or sprinkles.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just add them directly to the mixture without thawing to avoid excess moisture.
Nigella Christmas Muffins
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tray with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix the plain flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, caster sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Zest and juice the clementines and add them to the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the dried cranberries.
- Divide the muffin batter evenly among the liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Sprinkle demerara sugar on top of each muffin for a sweet crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into a muffin.
- Let the muffins cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.