Saturday, August 23, 2014

Mini Chocolate Muffins (迷你巧克力鬆餅) - Back to School Afternoon Treats

Mini Chocolate Muffins (迷你巧克力鬆餅)   http://utry.it

Many recipes on my blog were inspired by my Kids, and this Mini Chocolate Muffins recipe (迷你巧克力鬆餅) is no exception.  There was a breakfast event in my Baby Girl's class a while ago and someone brought mini chocolate chip muffins (the store-bought ones though).  After my Baby Girl finished the mini muffin, she immediately asked me if I can make some for her when we get home.  But she was very specific, she wanted a chocolate version with chocolate chips in them!  "What a Little Foodie I have!?" was what I thought at that time.

Mini Chocolate Muffins (迷你巧克力鬆餅)   http://utry.it


I'm glad that she "challenged" me and inspired me to test out new recipes.  These Mini Chocolate Muffins were some of the best muffins we've had.  I don't usually prepare muffins for breakfast, especially not for the Kids.  I prefer a savory breakfast 90% of the time (the occasional waffles and pancakes filled that 10%)!  But these mini muffins were very tender, light and fluffy.  Best of all, they were not overly sweet and in perfect mini sizes, a.k.a. perfect size for portion control!  And they are definitely the perfect after school treats.


Mini Chocolate Muffins (迷你巧克力鬆餅)   http://utry.it


These Mini Chocolate Muffins also double the duty as afternoon pick-me-ups for Mommy and Daddy!  With a  mini chocolate muffin and a cup of latte, or espresso, I've got the energy to tackle the rest of the day!  Boy, I truly miss my summer holidays!  The picture below shows you the inside of these muffins and how light and airy they are.


Mini Chocolate Muffins (迷你巧克力鬆餅)   http://utry.it

And yup....all gone in just minutes.  These are the perfect 1 or 2 biters, depending whose mouth you used as the measuring unit.

Mini Chocolate Muffins (迷你巧克力鬆餅)   http://utry.it


Interested to see how I made them?  Follow me to my kitchen and check them out.

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line mini cupcake pans with paper liners.

2) In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and 2 sugars on high speed until light and fluffy.

3) Lower the speed to medium, add the egg, and then add the vanilla extract until incorporated.

4) Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl when necessary.

5) In a separate bowl/measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, yogurt, and coffee.  Set aside.

6) In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.



Mini Chocolate Muffins (迷你巧克力鬆餅)   http://utry.it


7) & 8) On low speed, add the buttermilk mixture and the flour mixture alternately in thirds to the mixer bowl, beginning with the buttermilk mixture and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until use combined.

9) Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips.

10) With a small ice cream scoop (about a tablespoonful), divide the batter among the prepared mini cupcake pans.

11) Then, sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips on top of the batter in the baking pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

12) Cool on wiring rack and enjoy.

Mini Chocolate Muffins (迷你巧克力鬆餅)   http://utry.it


As always, I used Valrhona unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe, which made these chocolate muffins super dark and decadent.  I love the deep and chocolate-y taste from this cocoa powder.  These muffins are light and airy, yet, rich in chocolate aroma at the same time.  Whether you serve them for breakfast or afternoon tea is totally up to you; and I hope you'll give this recipe a try!  I guaranteed that they'll be a delicious one.


Mini Chocolate Muffins (迷你巧克力鬆餅)   http://utry.it



Tools and Props used in this post:

Wilton Mini Muffin Pan (Click here for product information)
Valrhona Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Click here for more information)
Daisy Mini Muffin Paper Liners (Click here for more information)
KitchenAid Stand Mixer (Click here for more information)
Red Vanilla Wave-y Espresso Cups and Saucers Set (Click here for product information)
White Porcelain Dessert Spoons (Click here to see similar products)
Small Bamboo Basket (Click here to see similar product)






Mini Chocolate Muffins
Makes: 40 mini muffins

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk, shaken, at room temperature
1/4 cup plain yogurt, at room temperature
1 tablespoon freshly brewed coffee
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Valrhona cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line mini cupcake pans with paper liners.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and 2 sugars on high speed until light and fluffy. Lower the speed to medium, add the egg, and then add the vanilla extract until incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, yogurt, and coffee. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

On low speed, add the buttermilk mixture and the flour mixture alternately in thirds to the mixer bowl, beginning with the buttermilk mixture and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until use combined. Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips.

With a small ice cream scoop (about a tablespoonful), divide the batter among the mini cupcake pans. Then, sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips on top of the batter in the baking pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wiring rack and enjoy.



Mini Chocolate Muffins (迷你巧克力鬆餅)   http://utry.it

14 comments:

  1. Dark and Decedent.
    These look amazing !! xxx

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. These are really yummy, in deed.

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  2. So gorgeously dark and beautiful! Bet they taste amazing, Amy.

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    1. Thank you, Angie. Oh yes, these are amazingly delicious.

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  3. Those are some amazing one biter super chocolate treats. I wonder how many of these I will have to make to keep a hungry teenage boy happy? Hmmm. Can you believe they are back to school already? 6 weeks goes by so fast in HK.

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    1. I know....I always remember the summer holiday is much shorter in HKG. But I hope you son had a great summer break. :) hm....My little boy at 6 can eat 3 of these in one sitting. So, your teenage boy might want a lot more than that! LOL

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  4. Hello Amy,

    These are so cute and easy to eat. I think I will not be able to stop popping them into my mouth! :D

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    1. I agree....these were so good I can't stop eating as well. :p

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  5. Hey Amy, do your kids know how lucky to have a mom like you? Yummy muffins and my family would love these as well. Thanks for a super easy recipe! xxoo

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    1. Thank you, Anna. hehehe...I'm lucky to have my family too. They are always the brave one of try out my new recipes. :D

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  6. Chocolate & chocolate chips! What a special treat, Amy.
    ~Judy

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Judy. My Little Girl loves chocolate...and more chocolate. ;)

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  7. OK now you've got me craving chocolate late at night!! Look what you've done! :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Ashley. :P Now, head to the kitchen and bake a batch of these mini chocolate muffins! I'm sure you'll love them. ;)

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