Budget Christmas Blueberry Muffins

Featured in: Classic American Desserts

These festive muffins burst with juicy blueberries and a hint of orange zest, delivering a light, flavorful breakfast or snack. Utilizing simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they mix effortlessly with wet ingredients before folding in the blueberries. The optional cinnamon-sugar topping adds a delightful crunch and extra warmth. Baked until golden, these treats offer cozy holiday flavors without extra fuss or cost.

They’re quick to prepare and perfect for sharing, with easy substitutions such as lemon zest or white chocolate chips for a richer twist. Suitable for vegetarian diets and adaptable for dairy-free options, these muffins pair beautifully with holiday celebrations and everyday enjoyment alike.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:59:32 GMT
A close-up of golden Budget Christmas Blueberry Muffins, perfect for a cozy holiday breakfast. Save
A close-up of golden Budget Christmas Blueberry Muffins, perfect for a cozy holiday breakfast. | epicurestates.com

Budget Christmas Blueberry Muffins are the perfect festive treat that combines light, fluffy texture with bursts of juicy blueberries in every bite. These muffins are ideal for chilly holiday mornings when you want something sweet and satisfying without overspending. Easy to make and wonderfully aromatic thanks to a hint of warm cinnamon and citrus zest, they bring a cozy homemade charm to any breakfast table.

A close-up of golden Budget Christmas Blueberry Muffins, perfect for a cozy holiday breakfast. Save
A close-up of golden Budget Christmas Blueberry Muffins, perfect for a cozy holiday breakfast. | epicurestates.com

With a balance of warm spices and fresh fruit, these muffins make a wonderful gift or a cozy snack throughout the Christmas season. Their easy preparation makes them accessible for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring you can enjoy homemade holiday treats without any hassle.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1 cup (240 ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy), 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter), 1 tsp vanilla extract, zest of 1 orange
  • Fruit: 1 1/4 cups (180 g) frozen or fresh blueberries (do not thaw if using frozen)
  • Optional Topping: 2 tbsp coarse sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
2. Mix dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Mix wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and orange zest until combined.
4. Combine wet and dry.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Fold in blueberries.
Gently fold in the blueberries.
6. Portion the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
7. Add topping (optional).
For a festive touch, mix topping sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle on top of each muffin.
8. Bake.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool.
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For fluffier muffins, avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light and tender. Using fresh blueberries freshens the flavor, but frozen berries are a great budget alternative—just don't thaw them to prevent bleeding. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top gives a beautiful festive crunch and enhances the aroma.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can swap orange zest for lemon zest to give the muffins a brighter citrus note. For extra indulgence, add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the batter. To keep this recipe dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegetable oil instead of dairy milk and butter.

Serviervorschläge

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of fresh orange juice. Serve them warm for the best taste, straight from the oven or slightly reheated. They also freeze well, making them great to prepare in advance for holiday guests.

Warm, freshly baked Budget Christmas Blueberry Muffins with juicy berries and a cinnamon sugar topping. Save
Warm, freshly baked Budget Christmas Blueberry Muffins with juicy berries and a cinnamon sugar topping. | epicurestates.com

Enjoy these Budget Christmas Blueberry Muffins as a delightful start to your holiday mornings or a sweet festive snack anytime. Their simple, affordable ingredients and joyful flavors bring warmth and cheer to every bite.

Recipe FAQs

What type of blueberries work best?

Both fresh and frozen blueberries can be used; if frozen, add them directly without thawing to prevent excess moisture.

Can I substitute the orange zest?

Yes, lemon zest works well as an alternative, offering a different but equally fresh citrus note.

How do I make these dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk and replace vegetable oil with a suitable dairy-free alternative.

What’s the purpose of the cinnamon and sugar topping?

It adds a festive touch with a crunchy texture and enhances the warm spice flavors in the muffins.

How should these be stored?

Allow muffins to cool completely, then store in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes, adding white chocolate chips or nuts can enrich flavor and texture without overpowering the blueberry and citrus notes.

Budget Christmas Blueberry Muffins

Festive blueberry delights with citrus zest, perfect for easy holiday mornings and shared moments.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
35 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

01 2 large eggs
02 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
03 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 Zest of 1 orange

Fruit

01 1 1/4 cups frozen or fresh blueberries (unthawed if frozen)

Optional Topping

01 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
02 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.

Phase 02

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.

Phase 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well blended.

Phase 04

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Phase 05

Incorporate blueberries: Carefully fold in blueberries to distribute evenly.

Phase 06

Portion batter: Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups.

Phase 07

Add optional topping: Combine coarse sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle mixture atop each muffin before baking.

Phase 08

Bake muffins: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean.

Phase 09

Cool muffins: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Necessary tools

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Muffin liners or nonstick spray
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or fine grater

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and eggs.
  • May contain milk if using dairy ingredients.
  • Potential traces of nuts or soy in baking powder, vanilla, or toppings.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 185
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Protein: 3 g