Muffins or cupcakes

Delicious Muffins with Jam or Chocolate: A Quick and Easy Recipe

If you're looking for a simple and quick recipe for a savory breakfast or a delicious snack, muffins are the perfect choice. These fluffy and aromatic treats are not only easy to make but also extremely versatile. You can fill them with jam, chocolate, or even fruits, depending on your preferences. Plus, they will delight you with their inviting aroma and soft texture. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients:
- 250 g flour
- 80 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 160 g yogurt (1 small yogurt or sour cream)
- 150 g sugar
- 12 g baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: lemon zest (avoid if using chocolate)

For the filling:
- Fruit jam (preferably cherry, apricot, or raspberry)
- Or: chopped chocolate (dark or milk chocolate)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a homogeneous mixture. Measure all ingredients accurately using a scale or measuring cup.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl or kitchen mixer, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well, so the baking powder is evenly distributed.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: Add the soft butter, eggs, and yogurt to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Do not overmix to avoid dense muffins.

4. Optional flavor: If you want to add an extra flavor, you can incorporate the lemon zest at this point, but skip this step if you choose to use chocolate.

5. Preparing the muffin pans: Preheat the oven to 210 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, grease the muffin pans with a little butter or use baking papers to prepare them. This step is essential to prevent sticking.

6. Filling the pans: Fill each muffin cup with about half of the mixture obtained. Then, add a teaspoon of jam or chopped chocolate in the middle, followed by covering with the remaining mixture. This layer will help keep the filling inside during baking.

7. Baking: Place the muffin pans in the preheated oven and let them bake for 20 minutes or until they become golden and fluffy. You can check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the middle of one; if it comes out clean, they are baked.

8. Cooling and serving: After taking them out of the oven, let the muffins cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. They can be served warm or at room temperature. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a more festive look.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to make healthier muffins, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or reduce the amount of sugar.
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as nuts, hazelnuts, or dried fruits, to add texture and flavor.
- Serve the muffins with a warm tea, coffee, or a fresh smoothie. They pair perfectly with a hot beverage.
- If there are leftover muffins, you can store them in an airtight container for a few days or freeze them to enjoy later.

Nutritional benefits:
These muffins are a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. The added yogurt contributes to protein and calcium intake, while the jam can add vitamins and antioxidants from fruits. However, it's best to enjoy these treats in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of yogurt?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or soy yogurt, depending on your dietary preferences.

2. How can I make the muffins fluffier?
Make sure not to overmix the batter and that the ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a light texture.

3. What other flavors can I add?
You can try vanilla, almond, or even cinnamon extracts for a more aromatic taste.

4. How can I prevent the muffins from sticking?
Grease them well with butter or use baking papers. Also, let them cool slightly in the pans before removing them.

These muffins are an excellent choice for any time of the day, being delicious and easy to prepare. Whether you choose to fill them with jam or chocolate, they will surely become your favorites, bringing a touch of joy in every bite. So, get ready to enjoy a culinary experience full of flavor!