There’s something about the aroma of freshly baked muffins that fills the air with warmth and comfort. Skip the coffee shop, and follow this delicious orange muffin recipe to make your own! And when these bakery style muffins are infused with the tangy zest of oranges and the delicate crunch of poppy seeds, you know you’re in for a treat. Thse are the best orange muffins, made with fresh oranges to give them a zesty citrus flavor. When citrus season rolls around this easy recipe is one of our favorite things to make. Not only do we use the orange juice, but we use the fresh orange zest. And if you love orange muffins, another great recipe to try is our cranberry orange muffins. Either of these muffins make a great breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
Ingredients for Orange Poppyseed Muffins
- Butter (melted and cooled): Butter adds richness and moisture to the muffins, resulting in a tender crumb. It also contributes to the overall flavor. We use salted butter but if you use unsalted butter, just add a pinch more salt to the batter.
- Flour: Flour provides structure to the muffins. It helps hold the other ingredients together and gives the muffins their texture.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavors in the muffins and balances the sweetness. It also helps strengthen the gluten structure in the flour.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the muffins rise by producing carbon dioxide gas when combined with acidic ingredients like yogurt and orange juice.
- Poppy seeds: Poppy seeds add texture and visual interest to the muffins. They also impart a subtle nutty flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the muffins together. They also contribute to the structure and moisture of the muffins.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness to the muffins while also providing a tangy flavor. It helps keep the muffins tender.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the muffins and adds a warm, aromatic note.
- Orange extract: Orange extract intensifies the orange flavor in the muffins, giving them a more pronounced citrus taste.
- Orange zest: Orange zest provides a burst of fresh, citrusy flavor to the muffins. It adds brightness and aroma.
- Fresh squeezed orange juice: Orange juice adds moisture and acidity to the muffins. It also enhances the orange flavor.
- Sugar: Sugar sweetens the muffins and provides the necessary sweetness to balance the tartness of the orange flavor.
- Coarse Sugar: Coarse sugar sprinkled on top of the muffins adds a crunchy texture and sweet flavor to the finished muffins.
- Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the glaze together and adhere to the surface of the muffins.
![butter on a plate](https://theperksofbeingus.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/butter-768x1024.jpg)
![Dover Sole in Seasoned Flour](https://theperksofbeingus.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_8472-768x1024.jpg)
![cara car orange cut in half](https://theperksofbeingus.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Cara-Cara-Orange-Sliced-open-768x1024.jpg)
How to make Orange Poppyseed Muffins
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and poppy seeds until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, orange extract, orange zest, orange juice, and sugar until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until no lumps remain. Then, gently fold in the melted butter and mix with a wooden spoon until fully incorporated.
- Add Poppy Seeds: Fold in the poppy seeds until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill Muffin Liners: Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners using cookie dough scoops filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle a pinch of Turbinado sugar over the top of the muffins for a crunchy sweet finish.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, rotating the tin halfway through baking. The muffins are done when they spring back lightly to the touch.
- Prepare Glaze: While the muffins are baking, whisk together the ingredients for the orange glaze until smooth.
- Glaze the Muffins: Once the muffins are baked and still warm, dip the tops into the prepared orange glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
![batter for orange poppyseed muffins](https://theperksofbeingus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_8266-2-768x1024.jpg)
![orange poppyseed muffins in a pan with a navy and white napkin and a half orange](https://theperksofbeingus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_1212_jpg-2-768x1024.jpg)
What are the best type of oranges are best for Orange Poppyseed Muffins?
- Navel Oranges: Navel oranges are widely available in many grocery stores and markets. They have a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and are easy to peel. Navel oranges are excellent for both juicing and using the zest to add citrusy brightness to muffin recipes.
- Valencia Oranges: Valencia oranges are another common variety found in grocery stores. They are known for their juicy flesh and balanced sweetness. Valencia oranges are ideal for juicing, and their zest is a great way to infuse muffins with citrus flavor.
- Cara Cara Oranges: Cara Cara oranges can often be found in larger supermarkets, especially during their peak season from December to April. They have a unique pinkish-red flesh and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor that adds a delightful twist to muffin recipes.
- Mandarin Oranges (Clementines or Tangerines): Mandarins like Clementines or Tangerines are small, easy-to-peel oranges with a sweet, mild flavor. They’re typically available in the winter months and can add a refreshing citrus taste to muffins without being overpowering.
- Regular Oranges: Sometimes, the simplest option is the best. Regular oranges, often labeled simply as “oranges” or “juice oranges,” are widely available year-round and can be used effectively in muffin recipes. These are good quality fresh fruits that will add flavor to the muffins.
When selecting oranges for muffin recipes, look for fruits that are firm, heavy for their size, and free from blemishes. Organic or locally grown oranges may offer even better flavor, as they’re often fresher and more flavorful than those that have been shipped long distances. Regardless of the variety you choose, using fresh oranges—both their juice and zest—will add bright, citrusy flavor to your muffins and elevate them to new heights of deliciousness.
How to keep Muffins fresh and delicious:
- Cool Completely: Before storing your muffins, make sure they have cooled completely to room temperature. Placing warm muffins in a storage container can create condensation, leading to sogginess.
- Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled muffins to an airtight container. This could be a plastic storage container with a tight-fitting lid or a sealable plastic bag. Airtight containers help prevent moisture loss, which can dry out the muffins.
- Line with Paper Towels: If you’re stacking multiple layers of muffins in the container, place a sheet of parchment paper or paper towels between the layers. This helps absorb any excess moisture and prevents the muffins from sticking together.
- Store at Room Temperature: Orange Poppy Seed Muffins can be stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. However, if your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to prolong freshness.
- Refrigerate for Longer Shelf Life: If you want to extend the shelf life of your muffins, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place the airtight container in the fridge, and your muffins should stay fresh for up to 5 to 7 days. Just be aware that refrigeration can sometimes cause the muffins to become slightly denser.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: For longer-term storage, you can freeze your Orange Poppy Seed Muffins. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, the muffins can last in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature or microwave them briefly until warmed through.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Orange Poppy Seed Muffins at their best for days or even weeks after baking. Whether you’re savoring them one by one or saving them for later, these delicious muffins are sure to brighten your day with their citrusy goodness!
![orange poppyseed muffins](https://theperksofbeingus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_1212_jpg-e1712805624745-1024x768.jpg)
These fresh orange muffins with poppyseeds are not just a breakfast treat; they’re a little slice of citrusy heaven any time of day. With their moist crumb, burst of orange flavor, and delightful crunch from the poppy seeds, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoying this moist muffin with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up, these muffins are guaranteed to brighten your day with every bite. So, go ahead, indulge in the most delicious orange muffin—you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Muffins
Orange Glaze Ingredients
- ¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Melt the butter in a pan over low heat and set aside.½ cup butter melted and cooled
- Whisk flour, salt, & baking soda together in a mixing bowl.2 ¼ cups flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon baking soda
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, yogurt, vanilla, orange extract, orange zest, orange juice and sugar. Pour in the flour mixture and stir until no lumps remain. Stir in2 eggs, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon orange extract, 3 tablespoons orange zest, ¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice, ¾ cup sugar
- Stir in the melted butter.½ cup butter melted and cooled
- Fold in the poppyseeds.3 tablespoons poppy seeds
- Scoop the batter evenly into 12 cupcake liners. Sprinkle Turbinado sugar on top.Turbinado sugar
- Lower the oven temperature to 375 and bake for 20 minutes, rotating halfway through. Muffins are done when they spring back after being lightly pressed.
- Whisk the orange glaze ingredients together until smooth.¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice, 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 ½ tablespoons orange zest
- When muffins come out of the oven, allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Dip them into the glaze before serving, while muffins are still warm.
Nutrition
Other muffins to try!
Healthy Lemon Blueberry Muffins with Poppyseeds
Savory Bacon & Cheddar Cheese Muffins Recipe
![freshly baked lemon blueberry muffins with a red and white towel and a lemon and blueberries](https://theperksofbeingus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_8565_jpg-768x1024.jpg)
![bacon cheese muffins in muffin tin](https://theperksofbeingus.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_1197_jpg-e1708818388325-768x1024.jpg)
![a dozen banana nut muffins in a muffin pan with a napkin and bananas laying next to them](https://theperksofbeingus.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Banana-Nut-Muffins-768x1024.jpg)
Goodness – I did not realize how moist and delicious these muffins would be! And the orange poppyseed flavor – just fantastic!
DK,
We are blushing with joy! Thank you!
Dina and Bruce
Loved these zesty orange muffins. They were so good!
Paula,
Thank you, we appreciate that!
Dina and Bruce
YUM! I’ve had lemon poppy seeds before, but I’m not a huge fan of lemon. Subbing with oranges is a great idea and it totally works!
Nathanaelle,
Thank you so much!
Dina and Bruce
These really did turn out just like (or better than) my favorite bakery’s muffins! They were light, fluffy, packed with orange flavor and were so good!!
Anjali,
That just makes us smile!
Thank you,
Dina and Bruce
The texture was perfect and the orange flavor really shined through. Definitely better than any bakery!
Gianne,
Thank you! These are a fav for Sunday brunch!
Dina and Bruce
These are such a treat! I love the citrus twist and the slight crunch from the poppy seeds!
Amazing! Love the orange and poppyseed flavour and the texture was perfect.
What a lovely midmorning treat with my coffee! Love the recipe and how easy they were to make! Definitely better than the bakery ones.
Love these muffins. Looks amazingly delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Kushi,
So glad you love them.
Dina and Bruce
These orange muffins are so moist and flavourful. They make the perfect snack for afternoon tea! Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Adri,
So glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Dina and Bruce
These orange poppyseed muffins were so delish! We loved them!
Paula,
We just made them again last Sunday! They were a hit with the whole family!
Dina and Bruce
Move over lemons, there’s a new muffin in town! We loved this orange & poppy seed combo! Making a double batch next time! 🧡
Elaine and James,
Yay! These muffins are so good, we hope you love them!
Thank you,
Dina and Bruce