Experience a delightful fusion of luscious chocolate chips and hearty pumpkin in a muffin. This recipe will guide you to make the perfect Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins, a delightful snack that is a comforting treat during the fall season or any time of the year.
The ingredient that may not be commonly found in your pantry is pumpkin puree. It is readily available in supermarkets, usually canned. Pumpkin puree gives the muffins their moist texture and unique, mild sweetness that beautifully complements the bursts of flavor from the chocolate chips.
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moistness to your muffins.
All purpose flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in browning.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper level of sweetness due to the molasses content.
Baking soda and baking powder: Leavening agents that help the muffins rise.
Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet flavors.
Pumpkin spice: A blend of warming spices that complements the pumpkin flavour.
Ground cinnamon: Gives the muffins a warm, sweet-spicy flavor.
Eggs: Acts as a binder and provides structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds a delicate, sweet fragrance.
Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, texture, and the signature pumpkin flavor.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps with the muffins' rise.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Gives sweetness and a melty, chocolatey experience in every bite.
Coarse sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
One reader, Hope Rinaldi says:
These chocolate chip pumpkin muffins are a delightful treat! The combination of pumpkin and chocolate is simply divine. The muffins are moist, flavorful, and the perfect balance of sweetness. The addition of pumpkin spice adds a lovely warmth to the flavor. I highly recommend this recipe for a cozy fall treat!
Techniques Required for Making Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
How to preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-count muffin tin with paper liners. Set aside.
How to melt butter: Place the butter pieces in a large, microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
How to combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. Whisk until well-combined. Set aside.
How to mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir well. Add the pumpkin puree and milk, and stir until completely combined.
How to incorporate dry ingredients into wet: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet until completely combined, taking care not to overmix the batter.
How to fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in 1 cup of the chocolate chips into the batter.
How to fill muffin tins: Evenly divide the muffin batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each 3/4 full.
How to add toppings: Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with the remaining 1/3 cup of chocolate chips and then generously sprinkle with coarse sugar.
How to bake: Bake at 350°F for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with only a few crumbs.
How to cool muffins: Allow the muffins to cool before enjoying.
How To Make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin muffins are spiced perfectly for fall and are studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips for that perfect level of indulgence.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾cupunsalted butter,cut into pieces
- 1¼cupsall purpose flour
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- ¼cupbrown sugar
- ¾tspbaking soda
- ¾tspbaking powder
- ½tspsalt
- 2tsppumpkin spice
- ½tspground cinnamon
- 2large eggs,lightly beaten, room temperature
- 1½tspvanilla extract
- 1cuppumpkin puree
- 2tbspmilk
- 1⅓cupsemisweet chocolate chips,divided
- coarse sugar,optional for sprinkling
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a 12-count muffin tin with paper liners. Set aside.
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Place butter pieces in a large, microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted. Set aside.
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In a large bowl combine flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. Whisk until well-combined. Set aside.
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Return to the bowl with the melted butter and ensure that it is not hot to the touch. Add eggs and vanilla, stir well.
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Add pumpkin puree and milk and stir until completely combined.
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Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet until completely combined, taking care to not overmix the batter.
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Gently fold in 1 cup of the chocolate chips.
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Evenly divide muffin batter into prepared muffin tins (filling each ¾ full). Sprinkle tops of muffins with remaining cup of chocolate chips and then sprinkle tops generously with sugar.
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Bake for 20 to 22 minutes (toothpick inserted in center should come out mostly clean with only few crumbs).
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Allow to muffins to cool before enjoying.
Nutrition
- Calories: 312.61kcal
- Fat: 18.37g
- Saturated Fat: 11.08g
- Trans Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.25g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.84g
- Carbohydrates: 36.86g
- Fiber: 2.18g
- Sugar: 23.78g
- Protein: 3.65g
- Cholesterol: 61.75mg
- Sodium: 213.05mg
- Calcium: 51.22mg
- Potassium: 151.72mg
- Iron: 1.76mg
- Vitamin A: 270.42µg
- Vitamin C: 0.93mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
When folding in the chocolate chips into the batter, be gentle and take care not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense and less tender muffin. It's okay if there are a few streaks of flour left in the batter; they will disappear during baking. Also, when sprinkling the chocolate chips and sugar on top of the muffins, try to distribute them evenly for a consistent sweet and chocolatey taste in every bite.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Measure and prepare all your ingredients the night before to streamline the baking process.
Use canned pumpkin: Opt for canned pumpkin puree instead of making it from scratch to save time and effort.
One-bowl method: Look for recipes that use a one-bowl method to minimize clean-up and simplify the cooking process.
Invest in quality tools: Quality tools like a good mixer and sturdy muffin tin can make the baking process more efficient.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes.
Organize your workspace: Keep your workspace organized to avoid wasting time searching for ingredients and tools.
Bake in bulk: Double the recipe and freeze the extra muffins for quick and easy breakfasts or snacks.
Substitute Ingredients For Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and moisture to the muffins, while also adding a subtle coconut flavor.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the muffins, making them a bit healthier.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins, and it also complements the pumpkin flavor well.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can bring a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the muffins, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda in this recipe, although the leavening effect may be slightly different.
pumpkin spice - Substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: A combination of these spices can replicate the flavor profile of pumpkin spice.
semisweet chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can provide a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor to the muffins.
coarse sugar - Substitute with turbinado sugar: Turbinado sugar can provide a similar crunchy texture and subtle caramel flavor when sprinkled on top of the muffins.
Best Way to Present These Delightful Muffins
Elevate the plating: When presenting the muffins, carefully arrange them on a beautiful serving platter or cake stand to showcase their deliciousness.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the platter with delicate edible flowers such as pansies or nasturtiums for a pop of color and a hint of floral aroma.
Incorporate seasonal elements: Introduce a seasonal touch by incorporating pumpkin-shaped sugar decorations or fall-themed napkins to enhance the autumnal feel of the dish.
Present with a side of whipped cream: Serve the muffins with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side, adding a creamy and indulgent element to the presentation.
Use a rustic wooden serving board: For a cozy and inviting presentation, consider serving the muffins on a rustic wooden serving board to create a warm and welcoming ambiance.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar: Before serving, delicately dust the muffins with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing finish.
Accompany with a pumpkin spice latte: For an extra special touch, pair the muffins with individual pumpkin spice lattes served in elegant coffee cups for a harmonious and delightful flavor combination.
Essential Tools for Making Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
- Whisk: Used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients together.
- Muffin tin: To bake the muffins in the oven.
- Paper liners: Used to line the muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
- Microwave-safe bowl: For melting butter or heating ingredients.
- Spatula: For folding in chocolate chips and scraping the bowl.
- Oven: To bake the muffins at the specified temperature.
- Cooling rack: To cool the muffins after baking.
How To Store and Freeze Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
- Allow the muffins to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, place the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw frozen muffins, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. Alternatively, you can microwave individual muffins for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
- For a fresher taste, you can reheat thawed muffins in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- If you plan to freeze the muffins, consider wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer container. This will help prevent freezer burn and make it easier to grab a single serving when needed.
How To Reheat Leftover Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
To reheat leftover chocolate chip pumpkin muffins, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the tops are slightly crispy. This method will help restore the muffins' original texture and flavor, making them taste almost as good as freshly baked.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is quicker than using a conventional oven and works well for reheating smaller quantities of muffins.
For a quick and convenient reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place a muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If the muffin isn't heated to your liking, continue microwaving in 5-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a slightly softer texture compared to oven reheating.
If you want to add a touch of freshness to your reheated pumpkin muffins, try slicing them in half and toasting the cut sides in a skillet with a small amount of butter over medium heat. This will create a crispy, caramelized surface and a warm, soft interior, elevating the overall taste and texture of the reheated muffins.
For a more indulgent treat, slice the muffins in half, spread a small amount of butter on each cut side, and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Broil the muffins in the oven for 1-2 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the edges are slightly crispy. This method adds a rich, buttery flavor to the reheated chocolate chip muffins and creates a delightful contrast between the crispy edges and the soft, tender crumb.
Random Fact about Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin puree is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes, from muffins to soups and pies. It adds a unique flavor and moisture to baked goods, making it a popular choice for fall-inspired treats.
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The chocolate chip pumpkin muffins recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as pumpkin puree and chocolate chips, are reasonably priced and readily available. With a perfect blend of flavors and the use of affordable, everyday ingredients, this recipe offers great value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 9, considering its taste, affordability, and ease of preparation.
Are Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Healthy or Unhealthy?
The chocolate chip pumpkin muffins recipe is a delightful treat, but it's not the healthiest option due to its high sugar and fat content. The recipe calls for a significant amount of butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess. Additionally, the use of all-purpose flour and semisweet chocolate chips adds to the calorie count without providing much nutritional value.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
- Reduce the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar by half, or substitute them with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or applesauce
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet, as they contain more antioxidants and less sugar
- Replace half of the butter with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining moisture
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for a boost of healthy fats and protein
- Top the muffins with a sprinkle of rolled oats or pumpkin seeds instead of coarse sugar for added texture and nutrition
Editor's Opinion on These Delectable Muffins
This chocolate chip pumpkin muffin recipe is a delightful combination of warm pumpkin spice and rich chocolate. The use of pumpkin puree and spices creates a moist and flavorful muffin, while the addition of chocolate chips adds a decadent touch. The balance of sweetness and spice is perfect, and the coarse sugar topping adds a delightful crunch. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels. Overall, these muffins are a wonderful treat for any occasion, and they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Enhance Your Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Recipe:
This chocolate chip pumpkin muffins recipe offers a delightful blend of warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and decadent chocolate chips. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a moist and flavorful muffin that's perfect for autumn. With precise instructions and carefully selected ingredients, this recipe ensures a delightful baking experience. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your baking skills and indulge in a delightful treat that will surely impress your taste buds. Embrace the comforting aroma and irresistible taste of these chocolate chip pumpkin muffins for a delightful culinary experience.
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