These cocoa muffins are only slightly sweet and have an adult-pleasing cocoa flavor rather than an overtly fudgy chocolate smack. Between their restrained chocolatiness and the fact that we call them muffins rather than cupcakes, it’s really quite easy to convince yourself they’re healthy.
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Why Our Testers Loved This
The testers were delighted that these chocolate muffins were so simple to make that even the kids could help and appreciated that they froze well. Joan O. described them as “moist, chocolatey, delicious, and not overly sweet.”
Notes on Ingredients
- Dutch process cocoa–This gives your muffins that deep chocolate flavor. Don’t attempt to substitute natural cocoa powder.
- Semisweet chocolate–This is optional. (Yeah, right!) It balances the dark richness of the cocoa with little bursts of sweetness.
- Eggs–For the best results, use room-temperature eggs. This will give your muffins a softer, airy texture.
- Oil—Any neutral-flavored vegetable-based oil, such as sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil, will work here. Don’t use strong-flavored oil, though, as it will alter the flavor of the muffins.
- Vanilla extract–Only the real stuff, please!
How to Make Chocolate Muffins
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a muffin tin with liners.
- Whisk the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Beat the eggs in a large bowl with a whisk.
- Whisk in the milk, oil, and vanilla.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped chocolate.
- Divide the muffin batter among the wells, filling each one 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then remove them from the muffin tin and let them cool completely on the wire rack.
Common Questions
Great question. Muffins and cupcakes may look alike, but, m’dear, looks do deceive. Muffins are cupcakes’ scruffy, blue-collar cousins, often studded with nuts, fruits, or veggies and often topped with a sprinkle of sugar or mounds of streusel. They’re usually mixed quickly by hand to avoid overbeating and a tough texture. Cupcakes are sweeter and more tender. Think elegant mini cakes. They boast a light, airy texture and wigs of generous swoops of frosting.
Dutch-process cocoa undergoes a different process than your plain ole powdered cocoa. The result is a less acidic, smoother, darker, and more mellow cocoa that’s 100% worth the swap. Read more on the differences between natural and Dutch-process cocoa. The most widely available Dutch-processed cocoa is Hersey’s Special Dark.
Absolutely. Simply add your favorite plant-based milk in place of the dairy.
You can. Just cool them completely, secure them in an air-tight ziptop bag, and freeze them for up to two months.
Storage Instructions
Once the muffins have cooled completely, store them in a resealable bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, stash them in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw them on the counter at room temperature for about 1 hour.
Pro Tips
- For best results, always weigh your ingredients.
- Don’t fill your muffin wells more than 3/4 full, or they may overflow during baking.
More Superb Muffin Recipes
Write a Review
If you make this recipe, or any dish on LC, consider leaving a review, a star rating, and your best photo in the comments below. I love hearing from you.–David
Amazing recipe! I’m a baking novice and wanted to try out a muffin recipe. These cocoa muffins were easy to make, came out super moist and chocolate-y! I will definitely be making them again, maybe adding chocolate chips next time!
Kiki
Chocolate Muffins
Ingredients
- Paper muffin cups
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups milk, (whole or low-fat but not nonfat)
- 1/3 cup mild vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Position an oven rack in the center of the oven. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cups.
- Whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Whisk the eggs in a large bowl until lightly beaten.
- Whisk in the milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in the flour mixture with a wooden spoon until moistened.
- Fold in the chocolate chunks.
- Fill the prepared tins about 3/4 full. Reserve any leftover batter for a second batch. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, or until the muffins have firm, rounded tops, and a toothpick inserted into the center of one muffin comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Set the pan on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.
- Remove the muffins from the pan and let them cool on the rack for 5 minutes.
- Make them disappear. You can keep them in an airtight container or in resealable plastic bags for up to 24 hours at room temperature or stash them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Weigh your ingredients–For best results, always weigh your ingredients.
- Don’t overfill–Don’t fill your muffin wells more than 3/4 full, or they may overflow during baking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe Testers’ Reviews
I had a chocolate craving and found this easy chocolate muffin recipe. I will definitely be making them again. They’re moist, chocolatey, delicious, and not overly sweet.
I also like that these freeze well. Freezing them is great for portion control, especially since my hubby and son aren’t big chocolate eaters, and I don’t feel I have to eat up a whole bunch before they go bad. I can eat one, save one for the next day, and freeze the rest for later.
This simple chocolate muffin recipe is great for little ones to help make because the muffins mix together quickly. I like them because they’re not very sweet.
I also think these would be good as mini muffins by reducing the baking time to about 10 minutes.
Hi David,
I just wanted to thank you for your Chocolate recipes. Very timely for Valentines Day. The chocolate muffins are just what I was looking for. Thank you and I will make the flourless chocolate chocolate cake. I appreciate u helping all of us become better cooks and your always joyful spirit.
Dianna, you are more than welcome!! I’m delighted you enjoy the newsletter.
I have a couple questions, even suggestions. One what temp and how long to bake in a toaster oven? Suggestions changing out the milk for a mix of eggnog and brandy for the holidays while you can get it and if you want add some mini chocolate chips folded into the dry ingredients before mixing.
Andy, thanks for writing. First, I love your substitution ideas, thanks! As far as how to make this in a toaster oven, I must confess don’t know. I don’t own one. If you have one and try it, I’d love to know what you find out!