Chocolate Muffins

Chocolate and Hazelnut Muffins

Who can resist a fluffy muffin, filled with chocolate that melts in your mouth? These chocolate and hazelnut muffins are not only a delicious choice for breakfast but also a perfect dessert to treat your loved ones. Whether you enjoy them alongside a fragrant coffee or as a sweet snack in the middle of the day, these muffins are sure to be a hit! Let's discover together how we can create this delight.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients needed:
- 100 g butter
- 100 ml water
- 200 g flour
- 3 eggs
- 100 g dark chocolate (75% cocoa)
- 100 g milk chocolate with hazelnuts (e.g., Milka noisette)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 7 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 packet of vanilla powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 50 g raw hazelnuts, ground

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the butter is cut into cubes and the chocolate is broken into smaller pieces. This will facilitate the even melting of the chocolate.

2. Melting the chocolate:
In a pot, add the water and cubed butter. Place the pot over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter is completely melted. Add the dark chocolate and stir until it melts and forms a homogeneous mixture.

3. Adding the dry ingredients:
Once the chocolate has melted, remove the pot from the heat and add the brown sugar, vanilla, and cocoa. Mix well until all the ingredients are integrated. You will obtain a rather dense cream.

4. Mixing the batter:
Transfer the cream to the mixing bowl and mix for 5 minutes. You will notice how the mixture starts to thicken and become airier.

5. Incorporating the eggs:
Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This step is essential to achieve fluffy and voluminous muffins.

6. Adding the dry ingredients:
Incorporate the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix gently but quickly to avoid forming lumps. If you choose to add hazelnuts, now is the time to incorporate them into the mixture, either ground or whole, depending on your preferences.

7. Preheating the oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. It is important to have the oven ready before placing the muffins in, to bake them evenly.

8. Filling the molds:
Prepare a muffin tray, greased with butter or lined with special papers. Fill the molds about 2/3 full to allow the muffins to rise beautifully during baking.

9. Baking the muffins:
Bake the muffins for 15-20 minutes. You can check if they are baked using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

10. Cooling and serving:
Once baked, let them cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

Your muffins are now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them plain or garnish with a drizzle of melted chocolate, a spoonful of jam, or whipped cream for an extra touch of flavor.

Useful tips:
- If you prefer a stronger hazelnut flavor, you can roast the hazelnuts before adding them to the mixture.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, but we guarantee they won't last long!
- You can experiment with different types of chocolate; adding white chocolate will bring an interesting contrast of flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
Chocolate muffins are a good source of energy due to the sugar content and healthy fats from the hazelnuts. Hazelnuts are rich in vitamins E and B, as well as essential minerals like magnesium and phosphorus. Additionally, dark chocolate is known for its antioxidant properties.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace butter with oil?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or sunflower oil, but the texture of the muffins will be slightly different.

2. Can I make the muffins vegan?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with banana puree or a mixture of chia seeds and water.

3. How can I keep the muffins fresh longer?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to extend their shelf life.

Chocolate and hazelnut muffins are a versatile dessert, perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them in the morning or at a gathering with friends, they are sure to bring smiles and moments of joy. Enjoy!