Zesty Orange and Cardamom Muffins

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Ground cardamom (1 teaspoon)
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted)
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup)
• Eggs (2 large)
• Freshly squeezed orange juice (1/2 cup)
• Orange zest (2 tablespoons)
• Milk (1/4 cup)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cardamom until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
5. Stir in the orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is unified and smooth.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
7. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full to allow for rising.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, dust the muffins with powdered sugar for an elegant finish before serving.