Imagine a batch of delicious chocolate muffins, each one a small parcel of rich, cocoa-infused delight. These muffins start their journey in a preheated oven set to a precise 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even bake throughout. As the kitchen begins to fill with the luscious aroma of chocolate, the anticipation builds.
In the initial stage, dry ingredients including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt are meticulously whisked together in a large bowl. This dry mixture sets the foundation for that perfect crumb texture we all crave in a muffin.
The process then calls for combining the wet ingredients—milk, vegetable oil, egg, and a hint of vanilla extract. This mixture is blended until it has a silky, smooth consistency, ready to bring the dry ingredients to life. As the wet and dry mixes come together, it’s crucial to stir gently, just until combined, preserving the muffins’ tender texture. The star of the show, chocolate chips, are folded in, ensuring each bite is dotted with pockets of molten chocolate.
Scooping the batter into a muffin tin, each cup is filled about two-thirds full, setting the stage for a beautifully domed muffin top as they bake. After about 18-20 minutes in the oven, a toothpick test reveals their doneness, showing off either a clean stick or a few moist crumbs, signaling perfection.
The muffins take a brief rest in the tin before being transferred to a wire rack to cool completely. This patience is rewarded with the first bite: a soft, tender crumb bursting with chocolate flavor, complete with gooey chocolate chips. Perfect for a breakfast treat or an indulgent snack, these chocolate muffins epitomize simple yet decadent homemade baking.
Interesting to note, chocolate muffins are not only a delight for chocolate lovers but also versatile, allowing for variations such as the inclusion of nuts or a swirl of peanut butter. Their origin, believed to be a hybrid of cakes and bread, showcases an evolution of delightful versatility in baking.
Ingredients
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup (120ml) milk
1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until completely blended.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
8. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.
9. Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy your delicious chocolate muffins!