Hi, Lykkers, there is no better way to embrace autumn than with a batch of warm, decadent chocolate muffins. These aren't just any chocolate muffins - they're topped with crunchy nuts, making them the perfect cozy treat as the leaves start to fall!
Whether you're a fan of hazelnuts, chestnuts, or a mix of both, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your autumn baking repertoire. To further enjoy them, accompany them with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a Chai tea.
<h3>Ingredients:</h3>
<b>For the Muffins:</b>
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
<b>For the Topping:</b>
- ½ cup chopped hazelnuts or chestnuts (or a combination of both)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional, but adds a warm touch)
Hazelnut Chocolate Muffins // A Weekend Snack to Enjoy
Video by Two of a Kind
<h3>Required Time</h3>
<b>Preparation Time:</b> 10-15 minutes
<b>Baking Time:</b> 18-22 minutes
<b>Total Time:</b> 35-40 minutes
<h3>Instructions:</h3>
<b>Preheat Your Oven:</b> Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with butter.
<b>Mix the Dry Ingredients:</b> In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures your muffins will be light and fluffy.
<b>Combine Wet Ingredients:</b> In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the buttermilk, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
<b>Bring It All Together:</b> Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix - this can make your muffins dense. Fold in the chocolate chips for that extra chocolatey goodness.
<b>Prepare the Topping:</b> In a small bowl, mix the chopped nuts with brown sugar and cinnamon. This adds a lovely crunch and a touch of sweetness to each bite.
<b>Fill the Muffin Tin:</b> Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ of the way. Generously sprinkle the nut mixture on top of each muffin.
<b>Bake:</b> Pop the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean (don't worry if you hit a melted chocolate chip!).
<b>Cool and Enjoy:</b> Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely - or enjoy one warm if you can't resist!
<h3>Calories per Muffin</h3>
Each muffin has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size and the exact amount of nuts and chocolate chips you use. If you want to reduce the calorie count, you can opt for fewer chocolate chips or a sugar substitute, but keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly.
These chocolate muffins are perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even dessert. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy nuts makes them irresistible! So, as the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, embrace the coziness of autumn with these delightful chocolate muffins.
