Three weeks ago I thought chocolate muffins were just an excuse to call cupcakes muffins so that you could eat them for breakfast. I've changed my mind. During our trip to London we found chocolate muffins in several bakeries, and they were so much more than just un-frosted chocolate cupcakes.
Good chocolate muffins like the ones I tried in London are different from cupcakes. They're heavier, have bigger crowns and are in some cases even richer than cupcakes. Furthermore, a good chocolate muffin should not need frosting.
Recipe is below. I used Hershey's Dark unsweetened cocoa powder, the only Dutch process cocoa I had in the house and the reason why mine are almost black (second photo only). While these are on the heavier side and not the same as the one I had in Europe, like these. I did find the combo of all-purpose flour and ¾ cup whole wheat pastry flour inconvenient and strange, but I had the wwpf on hand and went with it anyway.
Update: These days I just use all-purpose flour. Also, the recipe on King Arthur's site has been updated, but after making these multiple times I'm happy with this older version which uses a little less flour, more milk and a higher temp.
Recipe
King Arthur Chocolate Muffins
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup Dutch-process cocoa 56 grams
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 250 grams
- 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar 245 grams
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs 100 grams
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 teaspoons vinegar
- 8 tablespoons butter melted or 6 tablespoons oil (I use oil now)
- ¾ cup Ghirardelli bittersweet chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners or spray with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla and vinegar. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients. Pour in the melted butter. Using a wooden spoon, stir this together just until combined.
- Evenly divide batter between 12 muffin cups (or use 14 or 15 cups for smaller muffins).
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick placed in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Remove and place pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove the muffins from the pan and let cool completely.
Kristen says
These are really good! I made 2 dozen for a charity bake sale at work and I'm sure they'll do really well. Mine also took 17mins in the over, too. Thanks for the great recipe!
carole says
I just made your dark chocolate muffins ,I just had one and I am having my daughter,son-in-law & grandson over.These muffins will get devoured.They are simply exquisitley divine.I make white chocolate chip muffin that last not more than 20 minutes ,your recipe will be an add on .THANKS & GOD BLESS
pfirsch says
"Furthermore, a good chocolate muffin should not *need* frosting."
Hahahaha! I couldn't agree more!
Poutine says
ohhhh, I'm going to try these. I love choc. muffins, but feel so guilty eating them. The ww flour may change my mind.