Coffee & chocolate muffins

Ingredients

Muffins

250 grams (2 cups) flour
100 grams (3.5 ounces) bitter chocolate
200 grams (7/8 cup) milk
120 grams (1/2 cup) butter
150 grams (3/4 cup) sugar
1 egg
10 grams (2 teaspoons) vanilla sugar
1 tablespoon instant coffee
6 grams (1 1/2 teaspoons) baking powder
pinch of salt
1 tablespoon cognac (optional)

Chocolate glaze

80 grams (2.8 ounces) bitter chocolate
80 grams (1/3 cup) all-purpose cream
20 grams (1 1/2 tablespoons) butter

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Use a deep bowl to prevent splashes and ensure even mixing.
Electric Mixer
Essential for beating the butter and sugar to a creamy consistency.
Muffin Tins
Opt for non-stick tins or use paper liners for easy removal.
Wire Rack
Important for cooling your muffins evenly and quickly.
Microwave or Double Boiler
For melting chocolate without burning it. A microwave's short bursts of heat or a double boiler's gentle steam both work well.

Instructions

Step 1

Heat the milk and dissolve the coffee in it. Pour hot milk over the chocolate, broken into pieces. **Mix until smooth** and let cool slightly. Dissolving the coffee in milk helps enhance the chocolate flavor in the muffins.

Step 2

Separately, sift the flour with baking powder.

Step 3

Beat softened butter with sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. **Add the egg** and continue beating until combined. Make sure the butter is softened to ease the mixing process.

Step 4

Alternately, introduce the flour and milk mixtures in parts and knead the dough.

Step 5

Fill the molds for 3/4. **Bake the muffins** in a preheated oven at 356°F (180°C) for 15–20 minutes until a dry toothpick comes out clean. Let the muffins cool on a wire rack. Do not overfill the molds to avoid spilling.

Step 6

Pour the chocolate broken into pieces with hot cream. **Mix until smooth** and add butter. Let the glaze cool slightly and cover the muffins with it. Allow the glaze to cool a bit so it thickens and sets nicely on the muffins.

Step 7

Store the muffins in the fridge. Take them out of the fridge 15–20 minutes before serving. This will bring them to a nice room temperature, enhancing their flavor and texture.

Servings

🎉 These muffins are perfect for any occasion! Serve them warm, with the chocolate glaze slightly melted, and watch your guests swoon with delight. For a touch of elegance, dust some powdered sugar over them, and garnish with fresh berries 🫐 or a mint leaf 🌿. They pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee ☕ or a glass of cold milk 🥛.

For a more indulgent treat, serve the muffins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨 and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Need a quick dessert for a dinner party? Plate them with a side of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. Your guests will never guess how simple this impressive dessert is to make!

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: 🔄 Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free, and double-check your other ingredients to avoid any hidden gluten sources!

Vegan Option: 🌱 Swap the butter for a plant-based option like coconut oil or vegan margarine. Replace the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk 🥛, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the regular egg. Finally, double-check that your chocolate is dairy-free!

Faq

How can I prevent my muffins from sticking to the pan?
Use non-stick muffin tins or line them with paper liners. Additionally, lightly grease the pan or liners with a bit of oil or non-stick spray.
Why did my muffins turn out dense?
This can happen if the batter was overmixed. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze very well! Let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Do I need to adjust the baking time for mini muffins?
Yes, mini muffins will bake faster. Check them at around 10 minutes with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are done.
How do I achieve a perfectly smooth chocolate glaze?
Make sure your chocolate and cream mixture is thoroughly melted and whisked until smooth, and add the butter once it's off the heat to give it a shiny finish.
Can I add other flavors to the muffins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extracts like almond or orange, or mix in some nuts, dried fruits, or even a bit of zest for a personalized touch.