Chocolate, walnut, and rum muffins

Delicious Chocolate, Walnut, and Rum Muffins

Who doesn't love muffins? These little delights are perfect for any occasion, whether you want to sweeten a tired morning or impress guests at a party. In this recipe, we will explore an irresistible combination of chocolate, walnut, and a splash of rum, perfect for satisfying all tastes. Not only are they delicious, but they are also easy to make, quickly becoming a family favorite.

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

Ingredients

- 225 g flour
- 125 g brown sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 10 g)
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- 100 g dark chocolate (plus 20 g for decoration)
- 250 ml milk
- 1 egg
- 75 g melted butter
- 50 g ground walnuts
- ½ teaspoon rum extract

A Bit of History

Muffins have a rich history, with roots that stretch back through the centuries. These pastries have evolved from a simple small bread to the sophisticated desserts we know today. The addition of chocolate and walnuts gives them not only a deep flavor but also a crunchy texture, while the essence of rum adds an exotic aroma, turning them into a culinary sensation.

Step by Step

1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This step is essential as it ensures even baking of the muffins.

2. Mixing dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cocoa, ground walnuts, and salt. Use a whisk to mix the dry ingredients, ensuring there are no lumps. At this point, you can also add the 100 g of dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces, to distribute evenly in the batter.

3. Preparing wet ingredients
In another bowl, beat the egg with a whisk, then add the milk, melted butter, and rum extract. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. This mixture will add a pleasant moisture to your muffins.

4. Combining ingredients
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and gently mix with a spatula. Do not overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. This will help the muffins to be fluffy and airy.

5. Preparing the muffin tins
Grease the muffin tins with butter or use special muffin liners. If you don’t have liners, make sure the tins are well greased to prevent sticking.

6. Filling the tins
Fill each tin with batter, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. This is the time to sprinkle the remaining chocolate (about 20 g) on top of the batter for a pleasing visual effect and an extra touch of melted chocolate.

7. Baking
Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake the muffins for about 20 minutes. You can check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of one; it should come out clean.

8. Cooling and serving
Once the muffins are baked, let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are excellent served warm, with a cup of coffee or tea. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a more decadent look or pair them with vanilla ice cream for a more sophisticated dessert.

Delicious Variations

If you want to experiment, you can add dried or fresh fruits, such as cherries or raspberries, to the batter. You can also replace the rum extract with vanilla or orange extract, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits

These muffins are not only delicious but also offer some nutritional benefits. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and walnuts contain healthy fats and proteins. Additionally, brown sugar adds a caramel flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I do if the batter is too thick?
If the batter seems too dense, you can add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid quantities.

3. How can I store the muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a longer duration. You can also freeze them to enjoy later.

Now you are ready to make these delicious chocolate, walnut, and rum muffins! Whether you enjoy them yourself or share them with loved ones, they are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Enjoy!