Mini chocolate and raisin muffins

Mini Chocolate and Raisin Muffins

A whole novel could be written about muffins, considering their popularity over time. These little delicacies have evolved from simple homemade cakes to desserts appreciated all over the world. Today, I invite you to prepare mini chocolate and raisin muffins, a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for a quick snack or to accompany a fragrant coffee.

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

Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 4 tablespoons yogurt
- Approximately 4 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Raisins (to taste)
- Milk chocolate (for decoration)

Preparation Steps:

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Ensure that the eggs are fresh; it is recommended to wash them before use. Separating the eggs is an important step to achieve a fluffy texture.

2. Beating the Egg Whites
In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use a mixer to beat the egg whites until foamy. Then, gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This step will give the muffins an airy texture.

3. Combining the Ingredients
Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, gradually pour in the oil, mixing constantly. Add the lemon zest and yogurt, continuing to mix until well combined. Here, the lemon flavor will add a note of freshness to your muffins.

4. Combining the Flour and Cocoa
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and cocoa. These dry ingredients need to be well combined to avoid lumps in the batter. Once you have a uniform mixture, gradually pour it into the wet mixture, folding gently from the bottom up with a spatula. The batter should be slightly thicker than that for a loaf cake, giving the muffins a perfect consistency.

5. Preparing the Muffin Tins
If you don’t have a muffin tray, don’t worry! You can use paper liners, but be careful not to overfill them to avoid deformation. Place the liners in the baking tray and add a few raisins to each liner. Then, fill the liners with the prepared batter, leaving a little space for the muffins to rise. Sprinkle grated chocolate on top for an extra touch of flavor.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the muffin tray in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Do the toothpick test to check if they are baked; if the toothpick comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

Serving and Suggestions
Let the muffins cool slightly before removing them from the liners. These mini muffins are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a vanilla sauce for extra sweetness.

Possible Variations
If you want to experiment, you can replace the chocolate with nuts or dried fruits, or even with candied fruits. Also, for a healthier version, try reducing the amount of sugar or using natural sweeteners.

Nutritional Benefits
These mini chocolate and raisin muffins contain protein from eggs and yogurt, fiber from flour and raisins, as well as antioxidants from chocolate. They are a healthier choice for a sweet snack compared to other processed desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of oil? Yes, you can use coconut oil or olive oil, but the flavor will vary.
- What other ingredients can I add? You can add vanilla or cinnamon for a different taste.
- How can I store the muffins? Keep the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.

This mini chocolate and raisin muffin recipe is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. Be creative and customize them to your liking! Enjoy!