There’s something incredibly magical about the holidays, and these Chocolate Peppermint Muffins capture that spirit perfectly! The rich chocolate paired with the refreshing burst of peppermint creates a delightful treat that’s sure to impress everyone at your holiday gatherings. I remember the first time I baked these; the entire house filled with that warm, inviting aroma, and my family couldn’t resist sneaking a taste. Trust me, the combination of flavors in these muffins is a game-changer. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a festive experience that makes every bite feel like a celebration!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Prepare Chocolate Peppermint Muffins
Making these Chocolate Peppermint Muffins is a breeze, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your muffins are ready to bake. While that’s happening, grab a large bowl and mix together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix is essential for the right texture, so make sure it’s well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and egg. This is where the magic begins! Now, pour your wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir just until combined—don’t overmix, or your muffins might turn out tough. Gently fold in those irresistible chocolate chips because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little extra chocolate?
Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup about two-thirds full with that luscious batter. Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let these beauties cool for a few minutes before serving, and get ready for the compliments!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and the egg until combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Line your muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup about two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool a bit in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These muffins come together in just 15 minutes of prep time!
- Rich Flavor: The decadent chocolate combined with refreshing peppermint creates a taste explosion.
- Festive Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, they add a cheerful touch to any dessert table.
- Kid-Friendly: Everyone, from kids to adults, will adore these delightful muffins.
- Make Ahead: They freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them anytime during the season!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Chocolate Peppermint Muffins turn out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps them mix better and results in a fluffier muffin. If you want an extra punch of peppermint, feel free to adjust the peppermint extract to your taste, but start with less to avoid overpowering the chocolate. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different, so check for doneness a minute or two early. And remember, letting them cool for a few minutes in the pan helps them set up beautifully!
Variations of Chocolate Peppermint Muffins
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these Chocolate Peppermint Muffins! For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Want to switch things up even more? How about a white chocolate and peppermint combo? Just fold in some white chocolate chips and reduce the cocoa powder a bit. You could also experiment with adding a swirl of cream cheese frosting on top for a decadent twist. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Chocolate Peppermint Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, these muffins freeze beautifully! Just wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and they’ll be just like fresh out of the oven!
Nutritional Information
Each Chocolate Peppermint Muffin is approximately 180 calories, making them a delightful yet indulgent treat. They contain about 15g of sugar, 7g of fat, and 3g of protein. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
FAQ Section
Got questions about these Chocolate Peppermint Muffins? I’ve got answers! First up, can I make these muffins gluten-free? Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and you’re good to go!
Next, what if I don’t have peppermint extract? No worries! You can use almond extract for a different flavor profile, or simply skip it for chocolate muffins that are still delicious. Another question I often get is, can I use different types of chocolate? Yes, feel free to mix and match! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can all work beautifully.
Lastly, how can I make these muffins more festive? Consider adding crushed candy canes on top after baking for a crunchy, colorful garnish. They’ll look as good as they taste! Enjoy baking!
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Chocolate Peppermint Muffins: 7 Sweet Tips for Success
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Peppermint Muffins are rich and flavorful treats perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine milk, oil, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup about 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool before serving.
Notes
- Store muffins in an airtight container.
- These muffins freeze well.
- Adjust peppermint extract to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Chocolate Peppermint Muffins, Holiday Muffins, Chocolate Muffins