Chocolate-chip Muffins

Chocolate Chip Muffins with Creme Ole - A Delight for Any Time of Day

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 20-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-45 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins

Who doesn’t love the delicious aroma of freshly baked muffins? These chocolate chip muffins with a splash of Creme Ole are perfect for a savory breakfast, a sweet snack between meals, or even to impress friends at a party. Plus, they are easy and quick to make, and the result is absolutely irresistible.

A Brief History of Muffins
Muffins have a long tradition in world cuisine, with deep roots in pastry recipes. From English muffins, which are denser and moister, to American muffins, which are fluffy and loaded with toppings, this delicacy has evolved over time to adapt to diverse tastes. Today, muffins are a symbol of comfort and culinary pleasure.

Necessary Ingredients
- 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 100 g sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 120 g flour
- 1 packet (84 g) Creme Ole chocolate flavor
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 100 g chocolate chips (you can use dark, milk, or white chocolate, depending on your preferences)

An Important Step Before You Start
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and fluffy batter. You can also prepare your muffin tins in advance, either with baking paper or by greasing them with butter and dusting with flour.

Preparation Method

1. Preheating the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). This is an essential step as muffins need a consistent temperature to rise beautifully and bake evenly.

2. Creating the Base Mixture
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the soft butter with the sugar until you obtain a fluffy, light-colored cream. This step will ensure an airy texture for your muffins.

3. Adding the Eggs and Flavors
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and don’t forget to add the rum essence. This will give a wonderful flavor and complement the chocolate aroma.

4. Incorporating the Milk
Once the eggs are well integrated, add the milk and mix until everything is smooth. This will make the mixture more fluid and easy to combine with the dry ingredients.

5. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. It’s important to mix your dry ingredients separately to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed in the batter.

6. Combining the Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is well incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the muffins dense.

7. Creating Variety in the Batter
Divide the batter into two equal parts. In one of them, add the Creme Ole powder and mix gently to incorporate. You will notice the mixture becoming creamier and more flavorful.

8. Dividing the Chocolate Chips
Divide the chocolate chips evenly between the two mixtures. They will add a delicious taste and a crunchy texture every time you bite into a muffin.

9. Filling the Muffin Tins
Now is the time to fill the muffin tins. Alternatively, add a spoonful of each mixture into the tins, creating a marbled effect. This not only looks good but also provides a varied tasting experience.

10. Baking the Muffins
Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Pay attention to their appearance: they should be golden and slightly puffed.

11. Cooling and Serving
After removing them from the oven, let the muffins cool in the tins for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions
You can serve these muffins with a cup of warm milk or a cup of aromatic coffee. You can also add a teaspoon of fruit jam or a bit of butter for extra flavor.

Tips and Variations
If you want to experiment, you can replace the chocolate chips with chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even fresh fruit pieces like bananas or raspberries. You can also try different flavors, such as vanilla or orange essence, to give an interesting twist to your muffins.

Nutritional Information
This muffin recipe contains approximately 220 calories per muffin, with a decent amount of carbohydrates and healthy fats from the butter. The chocolate chips provide antioxidants and can improve your mood - who doesn’t feel better after a bite of chocolate?

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use melted butter?
It is not recommended, as room temperature butter provides a better texture for muffins.

2. What can I do if I don’t have Creme Ole?
You can substitute it with cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.

3. How can I keep the muffins fresh?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them fresher, you can freeze them.

These chocolate chip muffins with Creme Ole are not just a quick and simple dessert, but also a wonderful way to bring joy into every day. Cook them with love and share them with your loved ones!