Name: Nigella Xmas Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 250 grams plain flour; 2½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda; 100 grams caster sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 clementines; 125 millilitres full fat milk; 75 millilitres vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 175 grams dried cranberries; 3 teaspoons demerara sugar

These festive Nigella Xmas Muffins are made with dried cranberries, fresh clementine zest, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. This recipe creates wonderfully moist and fluffy muffins, bursting with warm holiday spices and bright citrus notes. Perfect for a cozy Christmas morning, this recipe makes 12 muffins, enough for the whole family to enjoy as a special treat.

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Nigella Xmas Muffins Ingredients

250 grams plain flour
2½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
100 grams caster sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 clementines (or satsumas)
approx. 125 millilitres full fat milk
75 millilitres vegetable oil
1 large egg
175 grams dried cranberries
3 teaspoons demerara sugar (for the topping)

How To Make Nigella Xmas Muffins

Preheat and prepare: Set your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan/400ºF). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or silicone cups.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, measure the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, caster sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Grate the zest from the clementines directly into the bowl and stir everything together.
Mix the wet ingredients: Squeeze the juice from the clementines into a measuring jug. Add enough full-fat milk until the liquid reaches the 200ml mark. Pour in the vegetable oil and add the egg, then lightly beat with a fork until just combined.
Combine wet and dry: Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Remember, a lumpy batter is a good thing as it leads to light, tender muffins.
Fold in fruit and fill: Gently fold the dried cranberries into the batter. Spoon the batter evenly into the 12 prepared muffin cases.
Top and bake: Sprinkle the demerara sugar over the top of each muffin. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Recipe Tips

Do Not Overmix: The most important rule for tender muffins is to mix the batter as little as possible. Stir only until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops gluten, which will make the muffins tough and dense.
Fresh Zest is Best: For the brightest and most aromatic citrus flavor, zest the clementines right before you mix the batter. The oils in the zest are very fragrant and deliver the best taste when fresh.
The Sugar Topping Matters: The demerara sugar sprinkled on top isn’t just for sweetness. It creates a delightful crunchy, slightly caramelized cap on the muffins that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Oil for Moisture: Using vegetable oil instead of butter guarantees an incredibly moist muffin that stays soft for days. If you prefer a buttery flavor, you can use melted butter, but the texture might be slightly denser.

What To Serve Xmas Muffins

These festive muffins are delicious on their own, still warm from the oven. For a more indulgent Christmas morning treat, serve them split in half with a generous smear of unsalted butter and a spoonful of orange marmalade. They also pair wonderfully with a dollop of brandy butter or clotted cream. Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee, spiced tea, or hot chocolate.

How To Store Xmas Muffins Leftovers

Room Temperature: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is the best way to keep them from drying out.
Freeze: For longer storage, allow the muffins to cool completely. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a microwave.

Nigella Xmas Muffins Nutrition Facts

Calories: 245 kcal
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 190mg
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different dried fruit? Yes, you can easily substitute the dried cranberries. Dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots would all work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep the total amount the same.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time? It’s best to bake the muffins immediately after mixing the batter. The baking powder and bicarbonate of soda are activated as soon as they are combined with the wet ingredients, and letting the batter sit will result in less rise. You can, however, mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl a day ahead.
What can I use if I don’t have clementines? Any sweet, small orange like a satsuma or tangerine will work perfectly. If you only have a regular orange, one large orange should provide enough zest and juice for the recipe.
Can I make these gluten-free? You can try substituting a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different, but the festive flavors will still be delicious.

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