Cheerful cupcakes with candies

Cheerful Muffins with Candies - An Explosion of Joy in Every Bite

Who can resist the fresh aroma of warm muffins? These cheerful muffins with candies are the perfect choice for a savory breakfast, a sweet snack between meals, or a colorful dessert to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and can be customized with various ingredients, turning them into a unique delight every time. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: 19 muffins

Ingredients:
- 4 fresh eggs
- 1 cup of sugar (about 300 ml)
- 1 and a half cups of flour
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 100 ml of oil
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Essences: 1 teaspoon of lemon essence, 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence, 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- 2-3 squares of dark chocolate, grated on a large grater
- Colorful candies for decoration

Detailed preparation:

1. Preparing the oven:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). This step is essential to achieve perfectly baked muffins. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing of the composition.

2. Beating the eggs:
In a large plastic bowl, add the 4 whole eggs. Use an electric mixer to beat them until fluffy and slightly increased in volume. This is the moment when air enters the mixture, helping the muffins to be fluffy.

3. Adding the ingredients:
Continuing to mix, gradually add the sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon, vanilla, and rum essences, followed by the oil. Mix well until everything is perfectly combined. This part of the recipe will give the muffins not only flavor but also moisture.

4. Flour and baking powder:
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step helps to eliminate any lumps and ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent. Add the flour in a rain-like manner to the egg mixture, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Do not overmix, as you want to keep the air in the batter.

5. Grated chocolate:
Finally, fold in the grated chocolate. This will add a delicious chocolate note and make the muffins truly special.

6. Preparing the muffin tray:
Prepare a muffin tray using silicone or special paper molds. Fill each mold about 3/4 full, leaving room for the muffins to rise beautifully during baking.

7. Decorating the muffins:
Sprinkle colorful candies on top of the mixture. These not only add a cheerful look but will also make the muffins even more appealing to the little ones (and not just them).

8. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes. Check them from time to time; when they are golden and fluffy, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, they are ready!

9. Cooling:
After taking them out of the oven, let them cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. This step is important as it helps maintain a fine texture.

10. Serving:
These muffins are delicious warm, but they are just as tasty at room temperature. You can serve them with flavored tea or a natural fruit juice for a complete experience.

Customization suggestions:
- Next time, try adding fresh or canned fruits inside the muffins, such as apricots or sour cherries. This will add a tangy note and make the muffins even juicier.
- Another option would be to use apricot jam or even melted chocolate in the center.

Nutritional benefits:
These muffins are rich in protein due to the eggs and contain carbohydrates from the sugar and flour. Think of them as a way to provide energy to the little ones (and the grown-ups) through a breakfast or snack. However, consume in moderation, considering the amount of sugar.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour, but be aware that the texture of the muffins will be slightly different, denser.

2. What can I replace if I don’t have oil?
You can use melted butter or yogurt for a creamier taste.

3. How can I store the muffins?
Keep the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

These cheerful muffins with candies are not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to experiment and create joyful moments around the table. So put on your apron and get ready to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones! Enjoy!