Cranberry Orange Cupcakes

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cranberry Orange Cupcakes.

1. Step 1

   In a bowl, mix together 2/3 cup of white sugar and the zest of 1 orange. Let it sit at room temperature for about 3 hours to infuse the sugar with orange flavor.

2. Step 2

   In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of orange juice concentrate and 1/2 cup of white sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer while stirring continuously for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

3. Step 3

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

4. Step 4

   In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.

5. Step 5

   In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup of room temperature butter and the orange zest-sugar mixture. Use an electric mixer to beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add in 2/3 cup of plain yogurt and 2 eggs, mixing until well blended.

6. Step 6

   Gradually fold in the flour mixture and 2/3 cup of the cooled orange syrup in three additions, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gently fold in the chopped nuts and dried cranberries.

7. Step 7

   Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

8. Step 8

   Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed. Allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes.

9. Step 9

   To make the icing, melt 3/4 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce and brown sugar, bringing it to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue boiling while stirring for 2 minutes. Add in milk and bring to a boil again, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm.

10. Step 10

    Gradually sift in powdered sugar to the icing, beating with an electric mixer until it reaches a spreadable consistency. If too thick, add a little hot water to adjust.

11. Step 11

    Spread the icing over the cooled cupcakes. For decoration, pipe a ring of cranberry sauce around the edge of each cupcake and sprinkle with additional orange zest.