Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.

Step 2

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3

In another bowl, combine sugar and orange zest. Work the zest into the sugar with your fingertips until evenly combined and the sugar feels like wet sand. Whisk in the vegetable oil, milk, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 4

Pour the sugar mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until no streaks of flour remain. Fold in the cranberries. Divide the batter among the paper liners. Sprinkle with more sugar, if desired.

Step 5

Bake for 25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Bake time may be a few minutes longer if using frozen cranberries.) Let cool for a few minutes in the pan before removing and enjoying.