Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
Introduction
Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins are a delightful blend of bright citrus flavor and rich chocolate sweetness. These muffins are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack that feels both fresh and indulgent.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In another bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
- Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Step 6: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Step 7: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor; avoid the white pith as it can be bitter.
- Swap milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- For a stronger orange flavor, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice into the wet ingredients.
Storage
Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the microwave or oven.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of regular ones?
Yes, dark chocolate chips work wonderfully and add a richer chocolate flavor to the muffins.
How do I prevent my muffins from being dry?
Be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Mix until ingredients are just combined and check for doneness with a toothpick at the minimum baking time.
PrintOrange Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
Delight in these moist and fluffy Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins that perfectly blend zesty citrus flavors with sweet chocolate chips, making them an ideal treat for breakfast or snack time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavorings & Add-ins
- Zest of 2 medium oranges
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy. Slowly incorporate the melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Incorporate Orange Zest and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the orange zest and chocolate chips into the wet ingredients ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain muffin fluffiness.
- Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh oranges for the best zest flavor and avoid the bitter white pith.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure tender and fluffy muffins.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate chips as per preference.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute buttermilk with almond or soy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: orange chocolate chip muffins, citrus muffins, chocolate chip baking, breakfast muffin recipe
