Orange Chai Muffins Recipe

Picture this: a lazy Sunday morning, sunlight streaming through the windows, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked orange-spiced muffins wafting through the air. Yup, that’s exactly what I’m offering you—a moment of pure bliss in muffin form. 🍊✨

Savor the delightful sweet and zesty flavors of the Orange Chai Muffins that burst forth from the warm, spicy embrace of chai. Chai mingles here with orange zest and complements its almost tangy quality with the rich blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger that chai is known for.

The muffins contain just enough granulated sugar to remain sweet without becoming sickly so, and they’re fattened with the also-rich (but not overly dominant) flavors of unsalted butter and whole milk.

Orange Chai Muffins Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure; high in carbohydrates, minimal protein.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness; pure carbohydrate source, minimal nutrients.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; source of fats.
• Whole milk: Contributes creaminess; contains protein and calcium.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice: Adds tangy flavor; rich in vitamin C.
• Orange zest: Enhances citrus aroma; contains essential oils, low in calories.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth; has antioxidant properties, low in calories.
• Vanilla extract: Provides aromatic sweetness; enhances flavor depth.

Orange Chai Muffins Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make this Orange Chai Muffins Recipe

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to heat up. Meanwhile, get your muffin tin ready with paper liners or a light coating of grease.

2. In a big bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg, and whisk well.

3. In a different bowl, mix together the sugar and orange zest. Use your fingers to really work the two ingredients together to release the deliciously fragrant oils from the zest.

4. Melted butter added to the sugar and zest mix and whisked until smooth.

5. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.

6. Combine the milk and orange juice by stirring them into the mixture until everything is well amalgamated.

7. Slowly incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, using a spatula to fold them together until they are just combined. Do not mix them too thoroughly.

8. Evenly distribute the batter into the lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full.

9. Preheat the oven to the temperature specified in the oven instructions. 15-20 minutes before the muffins need to be ready, turn the oven onto the manual setting and dial to the set temperature. Once at temperature, place the muffins on the middle rack and bake until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

10. Allow the muffins to sit in the pan for around 5 minutes and then move them to a wire rack to cool all the way down. Indulge!

Orange Chai Muffins Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Muffin tin
3. Paper liners or cooking spray
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Spatula
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Zester or microplane
11. Citrus juicer
12. Mixing spoon or electric mixer
13. Toothpick
14. Wire rack

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of flour?Certainly, whole wheat flour is an option, but it will yield a much denser muffin. If you want to go half-and-half with whole wheat and all-purpose flour, that would give you a much more balanced muffin.
• Is there a substitute for whole milk?Use any milk you desire, whether almond or oat, for a lighter version of this dish. Coconut milk will impart a deliciously distinct flavor.
• What if I don’t have fresh orange juice?While bottled orange juice is usable, nothing can compare to the flavor that comes from using fresh juice. For an even more intensified citrus taste, add extra zest.
• How can I make these muffins vegan?If you’re looking to veganize a recipe, here are some simple switches:

  Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy milk, and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg).

• Can I adjust the spices?Certainly! You can modify the spices to your liking or leave out the ones you don’t like. If you want a spicier version, you can add more cinnamon.
• How should I store these muffins?Keep them in a vacuum-sealed container at room temperature for 3 days, or in the refrigerator for a week. The vacuum-sealed container can also be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Can I add toppings?Certainly. You can top it with sugar, nuts, or a streusel topping before you bake it. Dried cranberries and raisins are also fabulous additions.

Orange Chai Muffins Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 cup granulated sugar. Substitute with 1 cup honey or 1 cup maple syrup for a natural sweetener, adjusting the liquid content in the recipe slightly.
1/2 cup whole milk – Substitute with 1/2 cup almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Replace with:
1/2 cup coconut oil or
1/2 cup vegetable oil.
2 large eggs – For a vegan option, substitute with 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water.
1 cup all-purpose flour – For a healthier or gluten-free version, substitute with 1 cup whole wheat flour or 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Orange Flavor For an extra burst of orange flavor, add a bit more orange zest to the batter. Consider adding a teaspoon of orange extract if you want an even stronger citrus profile.

2. Spice Adjustment Taste your spice mixture before adding it to the batter. If you prefer a spicier muffin, consider increasing the amount of ground ginger or cinnamon slightly. Always add in small increments to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

3. Butter Incorporation Ensure the melted butter is slightly cooled before adding it to the sugar and zest mixture. This prevents the butter from cooking the eggs when they are added.

4. Mixing Technique When folding the wet and dry ingredients together, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough muffins. Fold just until no dry streaks remain, then stop.

5. Baking Tip Start with a higher oven temperature for the first 5 minutes and then reduce to 375°F (190°C) for the remaining baking time. This technique can help create a nice dome on your muffins.