Mini Chocolate Chip and Candy Muffins
These Mini Chocolate Chip and Candy Muffins are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. Bursting with chocolatey goodness and colorful candy-coated chocolates, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them for lunchboxes, or enjoying them as a sweet snack, these muffins are a delightful and easy-to-make treat.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
- Quick and Easy: Made with simple ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes.
- Bite-Sized Fun: Perfect for portion control or sharing at gatherings.
- Colorful and Irresistible: The combination of mini chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolates makes them visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients Breakdown
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the muffins.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the muffins rise, creating a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Enhances the leavening process and ensures even rising.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture.
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed: Adds a caramel-like depth of flavor and keeps the muffins moist.
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar: Provides additional sweetness and balance.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk: Keeps the batter smooth and provides moisture.
Add-Ins
- ½ cup (90 g) mini chocolate chips: Ensure you get chocolate in every bite.
- ½ cup (100 g) mini candy-coated chocolates: Add a pop of color and crunch, making the muffins extra fun.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a mini muffin tin by greasing it lightly or lining it with paper liners. This ensures the muffins come out clean and intact after baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in uniformly risen muffins.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ½ cup melted butter, ¾ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the 2 eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the ½ cup of milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate and Candy
Gently fold in the ½ cup of mini chocolate chips and ½ cup of mini candy-coated chocolates, reserving a few for topping. This step ensures an even distribution of the add-ins without deflating the batter.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Top each muffin with a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips and candies for a colorful finish.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the eggs and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better batter consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense muffins. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Even Baking: Fill the muffin cups evenly for consistent baking and uniform size.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: A small cookie scoop makes filling the muffin cups quick and mess-free.
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add ¼ cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a nutty twist.
- Seasonal Themes: Use seasonal candy-coated chocolates to match holidays, like red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Darker Chocolate: Swap mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
At Room Temperature
- Store the muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the Refrigerator
- For longer freshness, refrigerate the muffins for up to a week.
Freezing
- These muffins freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These muffins are delightful on their own, but you can also pair them with:
- Hot Beverages: Enjoy with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy snack.
- Breakfast Spread: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, yogurt, or fresh fruit for a colorful breakfast platter.
- Dessert Plate: Add them to a dessert table for a party or gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of moist, tender muffin batter with melty mini chocolate chips and crunchy candy-coated chocolates is an absolute crowd-pleaser. These mini muffins are versatile, fun, and easy to make. Their small size makes them ideal for portion control, but they’re so good you might find yourself reaching for more than one!
Nutritional Information
Each mini muffin contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
For a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use low-fat milk.
Final Thoughts
Mini Chocolate Chip and Candy Muffins are the perfect balance of fun and flavor. Their colorful appearance and delightful taste make them a hit with kids, while their rich and tender texture keeps adults coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, a school event, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these muffins are sure to be a success.
So grab your muffin tin and get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible treats!