Chocolaty Chocolate Chip Muffins

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Debarshi Chatterji

Recipe Inspiration: Alton Brown

Welcome

You have entered the

Chocoholic

Zone

Disclaimer:

The temptation may be too great, and you may end up running to the kitchen to bake, eat or drink chocolate. 

Life without Alu is not responsible for a sugar overdose or any weight gain.

Do you remember the first time you had a bite of Chocolate? Hmm... how can you forget that ecstatic experience? As if all of a sudden everything was good. Studies show that when we eat Chocolates our brain releases the same neurotransmitters which are released when we are doing our favorite activities like kissing our partner or laughing with friends. Since Chocolate makes us feel so good, it turns a monotonous day to a bright shiny colorful day and that is how they are the perfect gifts for every occasion. 

Now tell me, is there anything better than Chocolates? Yes! Chocolate Desserts. There are varieties of Chocolate Cakes, Truffles, Muffins and Cookies available in the market but wouldn’t it be wonderful if we can bake a moist and scrumptious dessert in our own kitchen? Imagine a sweet surprise for yourself and your loved ones whenever you want. A yummy Chocolaty Muffin for breakfast or a midnight snack. Hmm... are you also looking towards the pantry in the hope of finding Chocolate or some Chocolaty product there? 

Now that I have made you smile, let me present to you - Chocolaty Chocolate Chip Muffins. Yes! These treats are easy to prepare and are not too sweet so you can have as many as you want. I have prepared them only a couple of times but they turned out so good that I thought it’s a must have recipe for all the Chocolate lovers.

So, bake these delectable Muffins today and don’t forget to lick the bowl.

Ingredients:

• All Purpose Flour - 1 Cup and 3 Tablespoons
• Cocoa Powder - 6.5 Tablespoons
• Baking Powder - 1 Tablespoon
• Baking Soda – ½ Teaspoon 
• Kosher Salt – ½ Teaspoon
• Sugar - 1 Cup and 3 Tablespoons (or use Truvia)
• Unsalted Butter - 8 Tablespoons, melted in the microwave and slightly cooled
• Eggs - 2 Large
• Plain Yogurt – ½ Cup
• Heavy Cream – ½ Cup
• Vanilla Extract - 2 Teaspoons  

Extras:

• Chocolate Chips - 1 Cup + 1 Cup (for sprinkling on top)
• Muffin Tray
• Muffin Cups
• Spray Oil – for greasing

Directions:

• Prepare the muffin baking tray - arrange the muffin cups on them and grease them with Oil.
• Put a sifter on a large bowl and sift all the dry ingredients (All Purpose Flour, Cocoa Powder, Baking Powder, Baking Soda and Salt). Please do not skip this step. You can also sift the mixture using your stand mixer.
• Stir in the Chocolate Chips (1 Cup).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the Sugar, Butter, Eggs, Yogurt, Heavy Cream and Vanilla Extract.
• Add to the dry ingredients all at once.
• Stir just to moisten using a large rubber or silicone spatula. Resist the urge to mix it smooth. Lumps are good.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Fill the muffin batter into the cups using a spoon or scoop. Fill them full but do not overfill them. Do not press the batter.
• Sprinkle the tops of the cups with the remaining Chocolate Chips.
• Bake in the pre-heated oven for 18 - 20 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and carefully remove the Muffins from the tray using spoons and transfer them on the cooling rack. Do not turn the tray upside down as the Muffins will be soft and will break. Do not skip this step as it will make the bottoms gummy.
• If you are baking multiple batches using only one muffin tray, let the hot muffins cool for a minute or two before removing them from the tray and putting them on a cooling rack.
• Enjoy these scrumptious Muffins whenever you want. They are made of Chocolate remember.

Recommended reading:

• Muffin making and baking tips
• Amelie’s - French Bakery and Café, Charlotte, North Carolina
• Blueberry Orange Muffin
• Cranberry Orange Muffin
• Picnic at Smithville Lake, Missouri
• Fabulous Lemon Muffins with Lemon Syrup
• Basic Kitchen Measurements
• Delicious Chocolate Orange Muffins
• Chocolate and Vanilla Half and Half Muffins
• Yummy Brownies
• Mary Berry’s Chocolate Apricot Cake (Homemade Sacher Torte)