Chocolate Muffins

Delicious Chocolate Muffins - a simple and quick recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Chocolate muffins are a true indulgence, perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or even a delightful dessert. These delicious treats are easy to make, and their enticing aroma will fill the whole house. The history of muffins is lost in the mists of time, but it is believed that these pastries first appeared as a quick snack, ideal for on-the-go consumption. Let’s venture into the world of this dessert and discover how we can prepare it together!

Ingredients:

- 250 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder (about 10 g)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (dark for an intense flavor)
- 175 g sugar (preferably brown sugar for a deeper aroma)
- 100 g chocolate (choose dark or milk chocolate, chopped finely)
- 250 ml milk (whole milk for a richer texture)
- 90 ml oil (sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or one teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 1 egg (at room temperature)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cocoa, and sugar. Make sure the mixture is homogeneous so that every bite is full of flavor. Additionally, if you use high-quality cocoa, your muffins will have a more intense aroma.

2. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, crack the egg and lightly beat it with a fork. Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, oil, and milk, and mix well until you get a homogeneous mixture. It is important that all ingredients are at room temperature for better combining.

3. Combine the mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently mix until there are no traces of flour. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to dense muffins.

4. Add the chocolate: Carefully fold in the finely chopped chocolate into the batter. This will add a decadent taste and make the muffins even more appealing.

5. Prepare the tray: Place muffin liners in the muffin tin. It is recommended to use quality liners to prevent sticking and facilitate muffin removal.

6. Fill the cups: Using a spoon or spatula, pour the batter into the cups, leaving about 1 cm free at the top. This step is important as the batter will rise during baking.

7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the muffins for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you want to check if they are done, feel free to observe them – a golden crust and an inviting aroma are clear signs that they are perfect!

8. Cooling: After baking, let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Here, the aroma will continue to unfold, and the textures will stabilize.

Serving suggestion: Serve the muffins warm, alongside a cup of coffee or tea. A teaspoon of raspberry jam or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top will make this treat a true delight!

Possible variations: You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or even fresh fruits like raspberries or blueberries into the batter to create a unique experience. Also, experiment with different types of chocolate (e.g., white chocolate or orange-flavored chocolate) to achieve varied flavors.

Nutritional information: Each muffin contains about 210 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used. These treats have a decent amount of carbohydrates and fats, making them a good choice for a little indulgence.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace the egg in the recipe? Yes, for a vegan version, you can use a ripe banana or a tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with water.

2. What if I don’t have cocoa? You can use carob powder or omit the cocoa completely, and the muffins will still be just as delicious.

3. How can I keep the muffins fresh longer? You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or you can freeze the muffins to enjoy later.

These chocolate muffins are not just a quick dessert but also a wonderful way to bring joy into our days. Surely, every bite will be an explosion of chocolate, and friends and family will ask for the recipe! So, let’s enjoy this delicacy together and share unforgettable moments!