Ever have one of those mornings where you just crave something special, a warm, comforting treat that pairs perfectly with your cup of tea or coffee? Well, today, I have just the thing to brighten up those moments—a batch of delightful Scottish Dundee Marmalade Muffins with a vibrant hint of orange zest!
These muffins aren’t just your ordinary breakfast fare; they capture the essence of one of Scotland’s most beloved preserves, the famous Dundee marmalade. Now, I’m not one to play favorites, but there’s something incredibly nostalgic and cozy about the tangy, sweet taste of marmalade. It reminds me of Sunday mornings spent lazily at the breakfast table, perhaps thumbing through the paper or catching up with family.
What I love about these muffins is how they encapsulate these moments into every bite. The subtle infusion of orange zest brings a bright, sunshiny lift to the flavor, while the added cinnamon offers a gentle warmth that balances it all beautifully. And if you’re feeling a tad adventurous, tossing in a few chopped walnuts gives a lovely texture contrast that elevates the experience even further.
Let’s talk about baking them—super easy! The process is straightforward and rewarding. From mixing those rich ingredients to watching them rise and turn golden in the oven, there’s an undeniable joy in creating something homemade. Besides, your kitchen will be filled with the most heavenly scent of citrus and spice, making the whole endeavor worthwhile.
When it comes to serving, these muffins are wonderfully versatile. They are a treat fresh out of the oven while still warm, with butter melting into the soft crumb. Or, if you prefer, you can savor them later in the day (they pair fantastically with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re thinking of an after-dinner dessert).
Of course, these muffins are a lovely nod to my visits to local markets, where I often picked up jars of quality marmalade. Every so often, I like to incorporate local finds into my recipes, and this one is certainly a keeper. I hope these Scottish Dundee Marmalade Muffins bring as much joy to your breakfast table as they have to mine!
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a little home baking therapy, I highly recommend giving these a go. Let me know how yours turn out, and whether they evoke that same cozy nostalgia. Happy baking, and here’s to brighter mornings!
Ingredients
– 250g plain flour
– 150g granulated sugar
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 125g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
– 2 large eggs
– 120ml milk
– 100g Dundee marmalade
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 orange
– 50g chopped walnuts (optional)
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk together until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, milk, Dundee marmalade, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients along with the orange zest. Gently fold the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature, perfect for a cozy breakfast treat. Enjoy!
