Muffins - cupcakes

Enjoy the delicious flavor of fluffy muffins, also known as cupcakes! These little delights are perfect for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings or simply to indulge your taste buds. With a soft texture and rich chocolate filling, these muffins are sure to become your favorites. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the best results.

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

Ingredients

- 3 eggs
- 250 grams of flour
- 150 grams of sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- 150 grams of chocolate (or chocolate chips)
- 0.5 packet of baking powder
- 100 grams of butter
- 80 ml of milk
- A pinch of salt

Necessary utensils

- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Muffin tray
- Muffin liners
- Knife (for cutting chocolate)

A brief history of muffins

Muffins emerged in the culinary landscape as a smaller, easily served version of cakes, and their popularity quickly grew due to their versatility. These little treats can be customized in numerous ways, from flavors to decorations, making them ideal for any occasion.

Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by bringing the butter to room temperature. It should be soft but not melted. This will help achieve a fluffy texture for the muffins.

2. Mixing butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to mix them at medium speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This is an essential step to incorporate air, making your muffins light and airy.

3. Adding the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step is important to avoid coagulating the eggs.

4. Sifting the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help eliminate lumps and ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

5. Combining the ingredients: Add half of the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture. Gently mix with a spatula. Then pour in half of the milk and mix again. Continue with the remaining flour and milk, ensuring to mix well after each addition.

6. Adding the chocolate: Cut the chocolate into small cubes (or use chocolate chips) and add them to the mixture. Gently stir to evenly distribute the chocolate.

7. Filling the muffin tray: Prepare the muffin tray with special liners. Use a spoon or ladle to fill each mold with the mixture, filling them about 3/4 full. This allows the muffins to rise beautifully during baking.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Once the oven is ready, place the tray inside and bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 15 minutes of baking to avoid deflating the muffins.

9. Cooling: After the muffins are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tray for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

Decorating the muffins

To make them even more appealing, you can decorate the muffins with whipped cream, melted chocolate, creams of various flavors, or colorful sprinkles. Be creative and let your imagination soar!

Useful tips

- Healthy alternative: You can replace the butter with coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier option.
- Alternative flavors: Experiment with different flavors, such as lemon or orange zest for a fresh note.
- Storage: Muffins keep well in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the muffins may be denser.

How can I avoid dry muffins?
Make sure not to overbake them and use ingredients at room temperature.

What can I serve muffins with?
These muffins pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, but can also be enjoyed with a glass of cold milk for a delicious breakfast.

Nutritional benefits

These muffins contain protein from eggs, healthy fats from butter and chocolate, providing a quick source of energy. However, moderation is important as they contain sugar and calories. One muffin has about 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all you have to do is start cooking. Whether you enjoy them with loved ones or give them as gifts, your chocolate muffins will bring smiles to everyone's faces! Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and tell them about your culinary experience!