Cocoa Muffins

Enjoy a delicious experience with this cocoa muffin recipe, perfect for any time of the day! This quick and simple dessert is sure to become your favorite, thanks to its fluffy texture and intense flavors of cocoa and lemon. Plus, it's a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your liking.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 300 ml oil (preferably sunflower or rapeseed)
- 400 g yogurt (opt for Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 400 g flour (use type 00 wheat flour for best results)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (high-quality cocoa for an intense taste)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Zest and juice of one lemon (for an extra freshness)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C if you have a fan oven). Prepare a muffin tray by greasing it with a little oil or using paper muffin cases to prevent sticking.

2. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes frothy (about 3-5 minutes).

3. Incorporate the oil: Gradually add the oil, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix. This step is essential to ensure good emulsification of the ingredients.

4. Add the yogurt: Including yogurt will make the muffins fluffier. Gently mix it with the egg mixture, ensuring it is well combined.

5. Incorporate the flavors: Squeeze the lemon juice and add the grated zest, bringing a fresh and vibrant taste to your mixture.

6. Sift the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Sifting these ingredients will help avoid lumps and make the muffins fluffier.

7. Final mixing: Incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until no flour is visible. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the muffins.

8. Fill the cases: Using a spoon or spatula, fill the muffin cases to about 2/3 full. Leave room for rising during baking.

9. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the muffins bake for 20-25 minutes. Check if they are baked using a toothpick: if it comes out clean, they are done.

10. Cooling and serving: Remove the tray from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, as they are delicious in both variations.

Serving suggestions: These cocoa muffins are delicious and simple, but you can personalize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the mixture. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or serve them with a spoonful of fruit jam for a delightful contrast.

This cocoa muffin recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a perfect choice for a sweet snack or dessert at a party. Whether you make them for yourself or for loved ones, they are sure to be a hit!