Chocolate and cocoa muffins

Delicious Cocoa and Chocolate Muffins

If you are looking for a quick and simple dessert to prepare, cocoa and chocolate muffins are the perfect choice. These little delights are not only tasty but also aromatic, with a fluffy texture that will make any occasion more special. Whether you serve them at a party, as a snack for kids, or as a treat for yourself, these muffins will undoubtedly win everyone’s hearts.

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

Ingredients

- 250 g flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 175 g sugar
- 175 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower or light olive oil)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 Milka chocolate bar (or any other favorite chocolate)

Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients, ensuring they are at room temperature, especially the eggs and milk. This will help achieve a finer texture for the batter.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and sugar. Add the two packets of vanilla sugar and mix everything well with a spatula or whisk. It is important to thoroughly homogenize the dry ingredients to avoid lumps.

3. Adding the wet ingredients
In the center of the dry ingredients, make a well and pour in the oil and milk. Gently mix with a spatula until the ingredients are almost combined.

4. Beating the eggs
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a fork until frothy. This step will help the muffins to be fluffier. Add the beaten eggs to the muffin mixture and mix everything until it becomes a homogeneous batter. Be careful not to overmix, as the muffins may become dense.

5. Preparing the muffin tins
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Grease the muffin tins with oil or, for a more appealing taste and presentation, use paper muffin cups. These not only make cleaning easier but also provide a nice appearance.

6. Filling the tins
Fill the muffin tins with the batter, being careful to fill them about three-quarters full. This will allow them to rise nicely during baking.

7. Adding the chocolate
In each muffin, add a cube of Milka chocolate. This step is the secret to a delicious and chocolaty center, making every bite a pleasant surprise.

8. Baking
Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and let them bake for 20-25 minutes. You can check if they are done using the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of one; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

9. Cooling and serving
When baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tray for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. If desired, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Practical tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of chocolate: dark chocolate for an intense flavor, white chocolate for a sweet note, or even milk chocolate for a balanced taste. You can also add nuts or hazelnuts for an extra texture.
- Flavoring: Instead of vanilla sugar, you can add a few drops of rum or orange essence to give the muffins an even more refined taste.
- Storage: These muffins keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked muffins and thaw them as needed.

Nutritional benefits

Cocoa and chocolate muffins are a dessert that can provide a small dose of antioxidants from cocoa. Additionally, eggs are an excellent source of protein, and the oil adds healthy fats. However, it is best to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour. The muffins will have a slightly different texture but will provide additional nutritional benefits.

2. What if I don’t have cocoa?
If you don’t have cocoa on hand, you can make vanilla muffins by omitting the cocoa and adding a little extra vanilla essence.

3. Can I add fruit?
Sure! You can add pieces of banana, raspberries, or blueberries to turn the recipe into fruit muffins. These will add moisture and a fresh taste.

Serving and combinations

These delicious muffins pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, but also with a glass of milk for a nourishing breakfast or snack. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a more sophisticated dessert or serve them with a caramel sauce for an unforgettable experience.

Cocoa and chocolate muffins are easy to prepare, delicious, and versatile, making them ideal for adding a touch of sweetness to your life. Experiment with the ingredients and customize the recipe, turning each preparation into a special moment. Enjoy!