Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade chocolate chip muffins are a delightful treat for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. With a tender crumb and a generous amount of mini chocolate chips, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. They're quick to prepare and bake, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings or when you're craving something comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg

• ¾ cup 2% milk

• ⅓ cup canola oil

• 1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin pan by lining it with paper liners or greasing each cup.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and canola oil.

4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Add chocolate chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.

6. Fill muffin cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full.

7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

8. Cool: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffins

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Baking time: 18–20 minutes

• Total time: Approximately 35 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor.

• Use different chocolate: Experiment with milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for a different taste.

• Add fruit: Fold in ½ cup of mashed ripe bananas or berries to introduce natural sweetness and moisture.

• Make them jumbo: Use a jumbo muffin pan and adjust the baking time to 25–30 minutes for larger muffins.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To enjoy a warm muffin, reheat it in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make these muffins healthier?

Consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, using a sugar substitute like stevia or honey, and reducing the amount of chocolate chips.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips; however, mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the batter, giving each bite a consistent chocolate flavor.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! These muffins freeze well and can be stored for up to 3 months. Just ensure they're fully cooled before freezing.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, vegetable oil or melted butter can be used as alternatives to canola oil. Each will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?

Lightly grease the inside of the muffin liners or use parchment paper liners to help prevent sticking.

Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?

Certainly! Adding ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile of the muffins.

How do I know when the muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the muffins are done.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can make these muffins gluten-free.

How can I make these muffins dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk, and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Can I make these muffins vegan?

To make these muffins vegan, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use a plant-based milk and oil.

Conclusion

These chocolate chip muffins are a versatile and delicious option for any time of day. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and texture. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins to make them your own. Enjoy the comforting aroma and taste of homemade muffins fresh from the oven!