Thanksgiving is almost upon us, which means that people need to make family dinners, and more importantly, family sweets. Since cranberry sauce is overrated, the next best fruity sweet is cranberry orange muffins.

The ingredients for the batter include:

• 1 and ¾ C all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ C unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• ½ C granulated sugar

• ¼ C packed light or dark brown sugar

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• ½ C yogurt

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• zest of 2 oranges

• 2 tbsp orange juice

• 2 tbsp milk (any kind)

• 1 and ½ C fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)

The ingredients for the orange glaze include:

• 1 C powdered sugar

• 3 tbsp orange juice

The instructions for the batter are:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

2. Line a 12 -count muffin tin with cupcake liners.

3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

4. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated and brown sugar and beat on high until creamed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. Add the eggs, yogurt and vanilla extract. Beat on medium for about one minute, then turn up to high speed until the mixture is combined and uniform in texture. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Then, beat in the orange zest.

5. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry, slowly mixing them together with a whisk. Add the orange juice and milk, gently whisking until combined. Fold in the cranberries with a rubber spatula.

6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling them all the way to the top.

7. Bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. While the muffins are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking the ingredients together until combined.

9. Drizzle the glaze when the muffins are still cooling, making sure they aren’t too warm.

10. Allow for them to cool before serving.

These muffins are a great dessert for the fall and upcoming Thanksgiving dinner. They are also great to share with the family any time of day.