Ready in: 40 minutes · Serves: 12 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
Enjoy these delicious chocolate chip muffins that are perfect for cozy breakfasts or holiday gatherings.
As the leaves turn crimson and gold here in New York City, and the crisp air fills our streets with that unmistakable holiday spirit, I find myself drawn to the warmth of my kitchen. There's something magical about baking, especially this time of year when we all gather around, sharing comfort and joy. Today, I'm excited to share my experience with a recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my home: Chocolate Chip Muffins. With their rich, buttery flavor and gooey chocolate centers, these muffins are perfect for cozy breakfasts or festive gatherings.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, buttery flavor with gooey chocolate centers.
- Perfect for cozy breakfasts or festive gatherings.
- Simple and quick to make, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Great for sharing as a heartfelt gift during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to bake these delightful muffins:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or a DIY mix of milk and vinegar)
Mix-ins
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
How to Make Chocolate Chip Muffins (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of delicious chocolate chip muffins.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it well.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will create a fragrant base for your muffins.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Then, gently stir in the buttermilk.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, being sure not to over mix. Fold in the chocolate chips last.
Step 5: Spoon into Muffin Tins
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 18-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few melted chocolatey crumbs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to dense muffins. Mix until just combined!
- Not Prepping the Muffin Tin: Ensure your tins are well-greased or lined to avoid any sticking issues.
- Skipping the Buttermilk: If you don't have buttermilk, made a substitute with milk and vinegar for the right acidity.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps to create a well-blended batter and prevents curdling.
- Let Your Muffins Cool: Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to avoid sogginess.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Consider adding nuts, dried fruits, or even swapping out the chocolate for white chocolate or fruit!
Variations
- Swap semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for a festive twist.
- Use flavored extracts like almond or hazelnut for added depth of flavor.
How to Serve
- Enjoy warm with a pat of butter.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast.
- Serve as a sweet treat at holiday gatherings or parties.
- Store in an airtight container for a delicious snack throughout the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Bake fresh muffins in the morning for a delightful start to your day.
- Storage: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast in a toaster oven for best results.
- Freezing: Freeze muffins for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through this process, I discovered that balance is key-between the sweetness of the sugars and the richness of the chocolate, creating a cozy bite that sings during the holidays. Plus, there's a certain joy in sharing something homemade with loved ones, making every bite more special.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 muffins · Serving Size: 1 muffin
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~210 calories · 3g protein · 30g carbs · 9g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Chocolate Chip Muffins for Cozy Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing it well.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Then, gently stir in the buttermilk.
- Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, being sure not to over mix. Fold in the chocolate chips last.
- Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few melted chocolatey crumbs.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. It's best to start with a 50/50 blend of both to maintain fluffiness.
How do I make homemade buttermilk?
To make homemade buttermilk, combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Absolutely! You can freeze chocolate chip muffins in an airtight container for up to a month. Just reheat them in the microwave or toaster oven when you're ready to enjoy.
