Chocolate Muffins

Chocolate Muffins - a fluffy and tasty delicacy

If you're looking for a quick and easy chocolate muffin recipe, you've come to the right place! These muffins are not only delicious but also perfect to be served with a glass of cold milk, turning them into an ideal snack for any time of the day. Besides the rich chocolate flavor, the fluffy texture will make each bite a true pleasure. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 57 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients:
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or more, to taste)
- 3 tablespoons warm water
- 2 eggs
- 200 g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 100 g chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white, to taste)

The history of muffins:
Muffins have a fascinating history, deeply rooted in the art of baking. They have evolved over time, becoming a symbol of culinary comfort. Although muffins are often associated with sweet preparations, they can also be savory, making them a versatile option for any occasion. This chocolate muffin recipe combines tradition with a touch of innovation, thanks to the addition of chocolate, which gives them an irresistible taste.

Step by step for perfectly fluffy muffins:

1. Activating the yeast:
In a cup, add the fresh yeast and the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Pour in the warm water and gently stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes at room temperature until a foam forms on top. This step is essential for activating the yeast and achieving fluffy muffins.

2. Preparing the eggs:
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Make sure they are well blended; this will help integrate the ingredients evenly.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients:
In the bowl of the food processor, place the flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Mix for 15 seconds to combine them evenly. It is important to use quality flour, preferably type 000, for optimal results.

4. Adding the liquid ingredients:
Add the yeast mixture and eggs to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Set the processor to speed 3 and mix for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes homogeneous. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a hand mixer or even a spatula, but it will require more effort.

5. Incorporating the butter and chocolate:
Finally, add the melted (but cooled) butter and the chocolate chips. Mix for another 2 minutes until the butter is fully incorporated and the chocolate is evenly distributed in the dough. Here you can use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.

6. Letting the dough rise:
Transfer the dough to a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise for about 45 minutes in a warm place, away from drafts. You will notice how the dough doubles in volume, which is a sign that the yeast has worked perfectly.

7. Preheating the oven:
10 minutes before baking the muffins, preheat the oven to 180°C. Make sure the temperature is correct to achieve even browning.

8. Filling the muffin tins:
Due to the density of the dough, it is recommended to use a spoon to fill the muffin tins. Fill each tin about 2/3 full, leaving room for rising. You can use silicone or metal molds, but make sure to grease them with a little butter to prevent sticking.

9. Baking the muffins:
Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of one comes out clean.

10. Cooling and serving:
After baking, let the muffins cool for a few minutes in the tins, then remove them and place them on a rack to cool completely. These muffins are delicious warm, but also at room temperature.

Serving suggestions:
For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of the muffins before serving. You can also accompany the muffins with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add some chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough. You can also try replacing some of the flour with cocoa to make a more chocolatey version.

Nutritional benefits:
These chocolate muffins contain protein and healthy fats from the eggs and butter, and dark chocolate, in particular, is rich in antioxidants. However, it is recommended to enjoy them in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to adjust the amount: 5 g of dry yeast is equivalent to 15 g of fresh yeast.

2. What can I do if the dough doesn't rise?
Make sure the yeast is activated correctly. If you use water that is too hot, it may kill the yeast.

3. How do I keep the muffins fresh longer?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. You can also freeze them to enjoy later.

These chocolate muffins are not only easy to make but will bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. So gather your ingredients and enjoy a culinary experience full of flavor!