There’s something magical about starting your day with a warm, freshly baked muffin that’s bursting with flavor. These Orange Carrot Muffins are the perfect breakfast treat to brighten up your mornings. They are moist, citrusy, and packed with the goodness of carrots, making them a wholesome choice for a tasty start to the day.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
– 2 large eggs
– 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat** your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, **combine** the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. **Mix** well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. In another bowl, **whisk** together the melted butter, eggs, orange juice, and orange zest until well **combined**.
4. **Pour** the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and **stir** gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
5. **Fold** in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using) into the batter until evenly distributed.
6. **Divide** the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
7. **Bake** in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. **Remove** the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Serve** these delightful Orange Carrot Muffins warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
These Orange Carrot Muffins are not just a delicious breakfast or snack option but also a wonderful way to sneak in some extra veggies into your day. The combination of zesty orange and earthy carrots creates a delightful flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds. So, the next time you’re looking for a delightful baked treat that’s both wholesome and flavorful, give these muffins a try. They are bound to become a favorite in your household, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own with a cup of coffee or tea.
