You and me muffins

Chocolate Mint Muffins – A Love Story in Every Bite

Who wouldn’t want to weave love into a delicious recipe, especially on Valentine’s Day? These chocolate muffins, enriched with a subtle hint of mint, are the perfect choice to bring a smile to your loved one’s face. It’s a simple recipe, but the result will surely impress. I invite you to join me on this culinary adventure, which will not only fill your home with enticing aromas but also bring joy to the hearts of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 40 small muffins or 20 large ones

Ingredients:

For the muffins:
- 400 grams of flour (about 2 cups)
- 400 grams of sugar (about 2 cups)
- 4-5 tablespoons heaped of cocoa powder (about ¾ cup)
- 1 pinch of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 250 ml of buttermilk (about 1 cup)
- 125 ml of oil (about ½ cup)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of mint extract
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 cup of hot black coffee (about 250 ml)

For the chocolate buttercream:
- 200 grams of softened butter
- 350 grams of powdered sugar (about 2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- Juice from half a lemon
- 2 beaten egg whites
- 40 grams of melted chocolate

Step by step in preparing the muffins:

1. Preparing the dry ingredients: Start by sifting the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and sugar into a large bowl. This step not only helps eliminate any lumps but also perfectly blends the flavors.

2. Mixing the liquid ingredients: In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, mint extract, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

3. Combining the ingredients: Add the liquid mixture to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix, just until the ingredients are combined. It’s important not to overmix to maintain the fluffy texture of the muffins.

4. Adding the coffee: At this point, add the hot coffee. This will enhance the chocolate flavor. Gently mix just until fully incorporated.

5. Preparing the muffin pans: Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Fill the muffin cups with the mixture, making sure to fill them about ¾ full. This way, the muffins will have enough room to rise beautifully.

6. Baking: Place the pans in the oven and let them bake for 10-15 minutes. Perform the toothpick test to check if they are done: if it comes out clean, your muffins are perfect!

Chocolate buttercream:

1. Whipping the butter: While the muffins are baking, you can prepare the frosting. Beat the butter until fluffy. It’s important that the butter is at room temperature for proper mixing.

2. Adding the sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, previously mixed with cocoa, in 6-8 batches. Continue to mix until the frosting becomes airy and light.

3. Incorporating the flavors: Add the lemon zest and juice, then fold in the beaten egg whites. These will add a slightly airy texture to your frosting.

4. Melted chocolate: Finally, add the melted chocolate in 4-5 batches, gently mixing to achieve a rich and chocolaty frosting.

Assembling the muffins:

1. Cooling the muffins: After baking, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool completely on a cooling rack.

2. Decorating: Use a large piping bag to apply the chocolate frosting over the muffins. You can create attractive and unique shapes to enhance the presentation.

Serving suggestions and variations:

These chocolate mint muffins are delicious served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast. You can also try adding chopped nuts or white chocolate to the muffin mixture for a more decadent version.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the proportions.

2. How can I keep the muffins fresh for longer?
I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

3. What drinks pair best with these muffins?
Coffee or mint tea perfectly complements the flavor of these muffins. Additionally, a glass of cold milk will add a refreshing note.

4. How can I adapt the recipe for a vegan version?
You can replace the eggs with ground flaxseeds mixed with water or with a plant-based yogurt. Also, make sure to use vegan butter and plant milk.

Nutritional information:

Each muffin has approximately 200 calories, but this may vary depending on size and specific ingredients used. These muffins also contain antioxidants from cocoa and can provide an energy boost thanks to the coffee.

These chocolate mint muffins are more than just a simple dessert; they are a declaration of love, a treat for the senses, and an opportunity to create memorable moments with loved ones. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and start the magic in the kitchen! Happy cooking and enjoying!