Rub zest into sugar; set aside.
In a separate bowl, dust the cranberries with the reserved 1 T of flour. Toss gently to coat.
Whisk the remaining dry ingredients together.
Whisk in the sugar mix. Make a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, blend together wet, room temperature, ingredients.
Pour into the well of the dry ingredients; stir using a wooden spoon just until there are no dry pockets of flour.
Gently stir in cranberries and nuts, if using.
Preheat oven to 425℉. This is only for the first 5 minutes of baking!
Place cupcake liners in the tin and fill to about ¾ full. This recipe makes about 18 muffins.
If desired, sprinkle tops with Sugar in the Raw or Sparkling Sugar.
Once you place them into the oven, set timer for 5 minutes!
Once the timer sounds off, immediately reduce heat to 375℉ and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Test with toothpick and adjust time, if needed.
Remove from tin to cooling racks.
