15 Best Orange Muffin Recipes

Orange muffins are bright and cheerful with that citrus zing that wakes up your taste buds. They’re perfect for making gray mornings feel sunnier. These 15 recipes showcase orange flavor in different ways, from classic glazed versions to interesting flavor combos. Most orange muffins are moist from the juice and have amazing aroma from the zest. They freeze well too, so you can enjoy them anytime.

Classic Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze

These showcase bright orange flavor in the most straightforward way. The batter has both orange zest and juice for serious citrus flavor. The glaze on top is just orange juice mixed with powdered sugar that soaks in a little bit and makes the tops sticky and sweet. Some recipes add a little orange extract for even stronger flavor. These taste like sunshine in muffin form and are perfect when you need a mood boost. Great anytime but especially nice for winter breakfasts.

Cranberry Orange Muffins

This is a classic combo that never gets old. The tart cranberries balance the sweet orange perfectly. Fresh cranberries are amazing when in season but dried ones work year-round. Some recipes add a orange sugar topping before baking which gives a nice crunch. The red berries look pretty against the orange-tinted batter which makes these nice for holiday brunches. These aren’t too sweet which makes them good for breakfast but still feel like a treat.

Orange Poppy Seed Muffins

These are like lemon poppy seed muffins but with orange instead. The orange flavor is a bit sweeter and less tart than lemon which some people prefer. The poppy seeds add a nice crunch and pretty speckled look. Most recipes include a orange glaze on top which adds sweetness and makes them look bakery-worthy. These are fool-proof and work every time even if your not much of a baker. Perfect for brunch or afternoon snacks with tea.

Chocolate Orange Muffins

The combo of chocolate and orange might sound weird if you’ve never had it, but it works really well! The orange zest brightens up the rich chocolate flavor. Some recipes use chocolate chips while others add cocoa to the batter for double chocolate goodness. The flavor combo reminds me of those chocolate oranges you get at Christmas. These are more dessert-like than most muffins but still acceptable for breakfast in my book. Great for chocolate lovers who want something a little different.

Orange Blueberry Muffins

The orange zest and juice brightens up the blueberry flavor and adds another dimension. The acid in the orange also helps the blueberries pop more. Fresh blueberries are best in summer but frozen work great the rest of the year. Some recipes add a streusel topping which makes them extra special. The combo of citrus and berries tastes like summer and makes these perfect for bright mornings. These look pretty too with the blue berries and orange-tinted batter.

Orange Almond Muffins

The almond and orange flavors complement each other perfectly. These usually include almond extract and sometimes sliced almonds on top or mixed in. Some recipes use almond flour which gives them a more tender crumb and deeper almond flavor. The combo is sophisticated but not weird or unfamiliar. These have a more grown-up taste that’s perfect with coffee. Great for brunch or afternoon gatherings when you want something a little special but not too sweet.

Orange Zucchini Muffins

This might sound like a weird combo but the zucchini adds moisture and the orange covers the vegetable taste completely. It’s a sneaky way to add veggies to breakfast! The zucchini keeps these muffins fresh for days. Some recipes add nuts or raisins too but the basic orange-zucchini combo works great on its own. These aren’t too sweet which makes them good for everyday breakfasts. Perfect for using up summer zucchini when everybody’s tired of regular zucchini bread.

Orange Coconut Muffins

Adding coconut flakes gives these great texture and tropical flavor that pairs really well with orange. Some recipes use coconut oil instead of butter which doubles the coconut flavor. The coconut on top gets all toasty in the oven which adds another flavor dimension. The combo makes you think of tropical vacation spots. These are a nice change when you want something different that still has familiar flavors. Perfect for spring and summer brunches.

Orange Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

The cinnamon streusel topping might seem like a weird match with orange but it actually works really well. The warm spice balances the bright citrus. The streusel has butter, brown sugar and cinnamon that gets crunchy in the oven. The contrast between the soft muffin and crunchy top makes these special. These smell amazing while baking from the combo of orange and cinnamon. Great for chilly mornings when you want something warming but still bright-tasting.

Orange Date Muffins

The sweet, caramel-like flavor of dates pairs perfectly with orange. The dates add natural sweetness and chewy texture throughout the muffin. Some recipes have you soak the dates in hot water first to soften them which is worth the extra step. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking gives a nice crunch. These are sweeter than most breakfast muffins because of the dates, but the orange keeps them from being too sweet. Great with a cup of coffee.

Orange Carrot Muffins

The orange and carrot flavors go great together – think about carrot cake with orange frosting. The shredded carrots add moisture, nutrition, and natural sweetness. These usually include cinnamon or other spices like in carrot cake. Some recipes add raisins or nuts too. These are less sweet than most muffins which makes them good for everyday breakfasts. The orange helps mask the vegetable taste if you’re trying to get picky eaters to eat more vegetables.

Blood Orange Ricotta Muffins

Blood oranges have a more complex, almost berry-like flavor and gorgeous reddish flesh that gives these muffins a pretty pink tint. The ricotta cheese makes them super moist and tender with a slight tang. These are a bit more special than regular orange muffins since blood oranges aren’t available year-round. They’re worth making when you can find them though! These have a more sophisticated flavor that’s great for brunches or when you want to impress people.

Orange Ginger Muffins

The spicy kick of ginger pairs surprisingly well with bright orange flavor. Some recipes use fresh grated ginger for stronger flavor while others use ground ginger which is milder. A few even add little bits of candied ginger for chewy sweet-spicy pops. These have a more complex flavor profile than regular orange muffins. The combo is warming but still fresh-tasting which makes them good year-round. Great with a cup of tea in the afternoon.

Orange Oatmeal Muffins

The oats in these give a hearty texture and make them more filling than regular muffins. Some recipes have you soak the oats in orange juice first which softens them and adds flavor. The orange brightens up what could otherwise be a heavy muffin. These aren’t as sweet as most muffins which makes them good for everyday breakfasts. The combo of wholesome oats and bright orange is really satisfying. Great for busy mornings when you need something substantial.

Orange Cream Cheese Muffins

These have a swirl of sweetened cream cheese that makes them extra special. You just put half the orange batter in the cup, add a spoonful of cream cheese mixture, then cover with more batter. Some recipes have you mix orange zest into the cream cheese too for consistent flavor. The tangy cream cheese works perfectly with the sweet-tart orange. These are like having cheesecake for breakfast but in a more acceptable form. Great for brunches or when you want something that feels like a treat.