Chocolate Muffins

Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter and milk, and mix until well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Muffin tin
• Paper liners or non-stick spray
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Tips and Shortcuts

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together more smoothly.
• Butter Alternative: If you prefer, you can substitute the melted butter with vegetable oil for a slightly different texture.
• Double the Chocolate: For an extra chocolatey treat, use chocolate chunks instead of chips, or add a handful of white chocolate chips for contrast.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Mocha Muffins: Stir in a teaspoon of instant coffee granules with the dry ingredients to give your muffins a coffee kick.
• Fruit Twist: Fold in some dried cherries or raspberries for a fruity twist that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the muffins for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a quick treat.

Food and Drink Pairings

These chocolate muffins pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. For an extra indulgent treat, enjoy them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.