Muffins with chocolate chips

Chocolate Muffins - A Delight Easy to Prepare

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

Chocolate muffins are a quick and simple dessert that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the fluffy texture of the batter. These treats are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even to be served at a party. Moreover, they can be easily customized, making them even more appealing to all dessert lovers.

A bit of history
Muffins, in general, have a fascinating history. Over time, these pastries evolved from simple dishes cooked on stone slabs to the delicious desserts we know today. Their popularity has grown due to their ease of preparation and versatility, as they can be filled with various ingredients.

Ingredients
- 120 g all-purpose flour
- 80 g flour (for a finer texture, it is recommended to use wheat flour)
- 10 g baking powder
- 80 g melted butter (use unsalted butter for a milder taste)
- 4 tablespoons dark chocolate (chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or more is ideal)
- 3 eggs (at room temperature, to incorporate better into the batter)
- 190 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for an extra touch of freshness)
- 0.5 vanilla pod (buy quality vanilla for an intense flavor)
- 125 g yogurt (Greek yogurt adds a special creaminess)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Have all the ingredients ready on your work surface to have everything at hand. Make sure the butter is melted and allowed to cool slightly.

2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture becomes pale and frothy. This is an important step as the incorporated air will help the muffins be fluffy.

3. Add the melted butter and yogurt to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are perfectly combined. Now it's time to add the flavor: grated lemon zest and seeds from the vanilla pod. These will give a fresh and delicious taste to your muffins.

4. In another bowl, sift the two types of flour together with the baking powder. This step is essential to avoid lumps in the batter and to ensure an even texture.

5. Slowly add the flour mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix gently, just until you no longer see flour. It is important not to overmix, as the batter can become dense.

6. Finally, add the dark chocolate. Mix gently so that the chocolate is evenly distributed in the batter.

7. Preheat the oven to 180 °C. While the oven is heating, prepare a muffin tray with 12 paper-lined cups.

8. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 full. This allows the muffins to rise nicely during baking.

9. Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Once done, let them cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

Useful tips
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter for extra texture.
- If you want a richer taste, try replacing some of the flour with cocoa powder.
- Chocolate muffins pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot tea.
- You can store muffins at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them to enjoy later.

Nutritional benefits
These chocolate muffins are an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy to the body. Additionally, yogurt adds protein and probiotics, which are beneficial for digestion. Dark chocolate, rich in antioxidants, contributes to cardiovascular health.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, but the texture of the muffins will be denser. You can combine whole wheat flour with white flour for a balanced result.

- What can I use instead of yogurt?
A good option would be milk or sour cream, but yogurt adds a unique creaminess.

- Can I make the muffins without sugar?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquids in the recipe.

Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat your family, these chocolate muffins will bring smiles and happiness. Enjoy every bite and don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!