Muffins

Delicious Cocoa and Chocolate Muffins – a Simple and Quick Recipe

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Introduction
Muffins are those delights that bring a smile to our faces, no matter the time of day. Whether we enjoy them at breakfast, as a snack between meals, or at a party, muffins are always welcome. This cocoa and chocolate muffin recipe, inspired by Mr. Motan's recipes, will bring you a burst of flavor in record time! With a perfect mix of textures and aromas, these muffins are easy to prepare and will win over your family and friends from the very first bite.

Necessary ingredients
- 2 large eggs (fresh, preferably from local farms)
- 1 cup of milk (approximately 250 ml; you can also use plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- ½ cup of oil (approximately 125 ml; sunflower oil is ideal, but olive oil also has a pleasant taste)
- 1 cup of sugar (approximately 200 g; you can reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet flavor)
- 2 cups of flour (approximately 250 g; make sure it is of good quality for the best results)
- 1 packet of baking powder (approximately 10 g; essential for fluffy muffins)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa (or 1 tablespoon of Nesquik for a sweeter flavor)
- A pinch of salt (helps balance the flavors)
- 100 g of chocolate (preferably milk, grated or chopped; you can also use dark chocolate for an interesting contrast)
- Raisins or other dried fruits (optional; add a note of sweetness and texture)

Preparing the muffins
1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. If you choose to add raisins or other dried fruits, it's good to soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using.

2. Mixing the eggs with sugar
In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar (1 cup) and vanilla sugar using a mixer or whisk. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes a light-colored and fluffy cream. This step is essential to ensure an airy texture for your muffins.

3. Adding oil and milk
Add the oil and milk (1 cup) to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix well until homogeneous. The aroma of the oil will contribute to a moist muffin, while the milk will add richness.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour (2 cups), baking powder, and salt. Mix well to avoid lumps. Then, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet composition, mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; just enough to incorporate the ingredients.

5. Creating the muffin batter
Divide the batter into two bowls. In one, add cocoa or Nesquik and mix well. In the other, incorporate the grated chocolate. If you wish, you can also add raisins to the chocolate mixture for an extra flavor boost.

6. Preparing the muffin tin
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Prepare the muffin tins with special liners. If you want taller muffins, fill each cup halfway; if you prefer smaller muffins, fill only a quarter.

7. Baking the muffins
Pour the batters into the prepared cups, alternating between the two types for a pleasing visual effect. Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and serving
Once the muffins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tins for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. These muffins are delicious both warm and cold.

Serving suggestions
These muffins are excellent plain, but you can add a melted chocolate glaze or sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an elegant look. You can also pair them with a cup of coffee or flavored tea for a complete culinary experience.

Healthy variant
For a healthier option, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or add banana puree instead of some of the oil. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other dried fruits? Yes, you can experiment with cranberries, dried apricots, or nuts for an interesting texture.
- How can I keep the muffins fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or you can freeze the muffins to enjoy later.
- Can I add other flavors? Absolutely! You can try cinnamon or ginger to add a warm note.

Nutrition
One muffin contains approximately 180 calories, making it an ideal choice for an energizing snack. It provides carbohydrates from flour, protein from eggs, and healthy fats from oil. Additionally, chocolate brings beneficial antioxidants for health.

I hope you find this cocoa and chocolate muffin recipe captivating and easy to follow! I wish you lots of fun in the kitchen and, above all, a delicious result!