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### Instructions
**1. Preheat the oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with cooking spray.
**2. Prepare the muffin batter:**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, orange zest, orange juice, and sour cream. Stir everything until fully combined.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense muffins. The batter should be thick but slightly lumpy, which is perfectly fine.
**3. Fill the muffin tin:**
Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. This will ensure your muffins rise beautifully while baking.
**4. Bake the muffins:**
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown on top and have a soft, fluffy texture inside.
**5. Prepare the glaze:**
While the muffins are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest (if using). The glaze should be smooth and slightly runny. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
**6. Glaze the muffins:**
Once the muffins are baked and have cooled for about 5 minutes, drizzle the orange glaze over the tops of each muffin. The warm muffins will absorb the glaze, adding a deliciously sweet and citrusy finish to each bite.
**7. Serve and enjoy:**
Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then serve your **Glazed Orange Muffins** warm, or at room temperature. These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
### Why These Muffins Are So Special
**1. Bright and Zesty Flavor:**
The fresh orange zest and juice bring an incredible burst of citrus flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the muffin. This flavor profile is refreshing and light, making these muffins perfect for any time of day.
**2. Fluffy Texture:**
The combination of milk, butter, and sour cream in the muffin batter ensures a soft and tender texture that melts in your mouth. The muffins rise beautifully during baking, resulting in a light, airy crumb.
**3. Sweet and Tangy Glaze:**
The orange glaze adds a touch of sweetness while enhancing the citrus flavor of the muffins. It’s the perfect finishing touch that elevates these muffins to a whole new level of deliciousness.
**4. Versatility:**
These muffins are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed on their own, paired with tea or coffee, or served as a light breakfast or dessert. You can even mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for added texture and flavor.
### Tips for Perfect Glazed Orange Muffins
1. **Use fresh oranges:** For the best flavor, use fresh oranges to zest and juice. Bottled orange juice won’t give you the same vibrant, fresh taste that freshly squeezed juice provides.
2. **Don’t overmix the batter:** Overmixing can cause your muffins to be tough. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, and you’ll have light, fluffy muffins.
3. **Add a pinch of salt to the glaze:** A tiny pinch of salt in the glaze can help balance the sweetness and enhance the citrus flavor even more.
4. **Customize the glaze:** Feel free to adjust the glaze to your liking. For a more intense flavor, add a little extra zest or juice. You can even add a few drops of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a twist.
5. **Make them ahead of time:** These muffins are perfect for meal prep. You can bake them in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave for a warm, comforting treat.
### Why Glazed Orange Muffins Are a Must-Try
If you’re a fan of citrus flavors, then **Glazed Orange Muffins** are a must-try. The bright, zesty flavor of orange in both the muffin and the glaze makes for a refreshing, satisfying treat. These muffins are easy to make, beautifully aromatic, and just the right balance of sweetness and tanginess.
From the first bite to the last, these muffins are sure to brighten up your day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a dessert to share, or just something sweet to enjoy with a cup of tea, these **Glazed Orange Muffins** will hit the spot every time.
### Conclusion
These **Glazed Orange Muffins** are a perfect combination of fluffy, tender muffin goodness with a refreshing citrus twist. The soft texture of the muffin paired with the sweet and tangy orange glaze makes for a treat that’s both satisfying and uplifting. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these delicious muffins that will surely become a favorite in your baking rotation.
So grab some fresh oranges, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to these irresistible **Glazed Orange Muffins**—a burst of sunshine in every bite!
