If you’re on the hunt for the Best Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe to wow your friends, family, or just treat yourself, you have landed in the right kitchen! These muffins come out perfectly tender with golden tops and an irresistible gooey burst of semi-sweet chocolate in every bite. The magic lies in a simple blend of ingredients that promise fluffy texture and just the right amount of sweetness, making these muffins a beloved classic that feels both indulgent and homey. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for breakfast, snacks, or an anytime little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in giving you that perfect muffin texture and flavor. From the fluffy buttermilk that adds tenderness to the burst of chocolate chips that brings melty joy, every component works in harmony.
- Plain flour (2 1/2 cups / 375g): The base of your muffins, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder (3 tsp): Helps your muffins rise beautifully and stay light.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Works with buttermilk to create a perfect rise and soft crumb.
- White sugar (1 cup / 220g): Sweetens without overpowering and helps with browning for a golden crust.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Buttermilk (1 cup / 250ml): Adds moisture and a slight tang that makes the muffins richer and fluffier.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup / 60g), melted: Gives a silky richness and tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil (4 tbsp / 80ml): Keeps the muffins moist, even after a couple of days.
- Large eggs (2, lightly whisked): Bind everything together and add to the structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): A warm, fragrant note that lifts the whole muffin.
- Chocolate chips (1 3/4 cups / 300g): The star ingredient – semi-sweet chocolate that melts into irresistible pockets of delight.
How to Make Best Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 200C (390F) for all oven types. Lining your 12-hole muffin tin with paper patties makes cleanup easier and helps the muffins hold their shape during baking. This early prep sets the stage for muffin perfection.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
In a large bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until combined. Then, stir in the chocolate chips so they’re evenly coated. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking and ensures every bite is filled with chocolaty goodness.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly adds moisture and richness that will transform your batter into fluffy muffins.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Create a well in your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined — aim for no more than eight stirs. Some lumps in the batter are totally fine and actually help keep the muffins light and tender instead of dense and gummy.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cases and Top
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared paper cases. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top for that extra chocolatey sparkle and inviting look on your muffins.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your muffins for 5 minutes at 200C, then reduce the temperature to 180C (350F for fan forced ovens) and continue baking for another 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, and the tops are golden brown.
Step 7: Cool with Care
Once baked, immediately transfer your muffins onto a cooling rack. This quick move prevents sogginess and keeps the muffin bottoms from steaming in the tin, preserving that perfect texture.
Step 8: Enjoy Warm or Room Temperature
The Best Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe tastes amazing warm, when the chocolate chips are melty and cozy, but they’re just as enjoyable at room temperature. Either way, each bite promises a delicious, comforting experience!
How to Serve Best Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of love, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over warm muffins to kick up the chocolate’s flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey adds sweetness and a beautiful presentation, perfect for serving guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these muffins with a steaming cup of coffee or a frothy latte for a delightful breakfast, or serve alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt to balance indulgence with a fresh burst. They also make an excellent afternoon snack with a glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your muffins into a mini dessert by slicing one in half and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For a brunch gathering, line them up in a basket wrapped with a colorful napkin and scatter a handful of extra chocolate chips and fresh berries around for a tempting display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay moist and fresh for up to three days, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
The Best Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months, so you can always have a batch ready whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen muffins, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds until warm and soft. This quick reheat revives the fresh-baked texture and melty chocolate, making each bite just as delightful as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can be substituted, the tang and acidity in buttermilk react with baking soda to create a lighter, softer muffin. If you don’t have buttermilk, add one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk and let it sit for five minutes before using.
Why shouldn’t I over-mix the batter?
Over-mixing activates gluten in the flour, leading to tough, rubbery muffins. Stirring just until the ingredients are combined keeps the muffins tender and fluffy, with a delightful crumb.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Toss in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries along with the chocolate chips for exciting textures and flavors. Just make sure to keep the total mix-ins around 2 cups to maintain the right batter balance.
What size muffin tin should I use?
This recipe is designed for a standard 12-hole muffin tin. Using different sizes will affect baking time, so keep an eye on them and test doneness with a skewer.
How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?
Coating your chocolate chips lightly with flour before adding them to the batter helps suspend them evenly throughout the muffins. This little trick ensures you get chocolate in every bite, not just at the bottom.
Final Thoughts
Making the Best Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe is like inviting warmth and comfort into your kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these muffins turn ordinary moments into special ones. Don’t hesitate to bake a batch today and watch how quickly they disappear—they truly bring joy with every mouthful!
Print
Best Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Chocolate Chip Muffin recipe delivers moist, fluffy muffins loaded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these muffins combine classic buttermilk richness with a tender crumb and crispy tops. Made from scratch with simple pantry staples and a few mixing steps, this easy bake will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups / 375g plain flour (all purpose flour)
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda / bi carb soda
- 1 cup / 220g white sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups / 300g chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup / 250ml buttermilk
- 1/4 cup / 60g unsalted butter, melted
- 4 tbsp / 80ml vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, lightly whisked
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 200°C / 390°F for all ovens. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper patties to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Then fold in the chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, vegetable oil, lightly whisked eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Mix wet and dry: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the well and gently fold together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stir no more than eight times—to retain a tender crumb. It’s fine if some lumps of flour remain.
- Fill muffin cups: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared paper cases, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top of each muffin for an extra chocolatey finish.
- Bake in two stages: Bake the muffins initially at 200°C (390°F) for 5 minutes to help rise. Then reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) fan forced/convection and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool muffins: Immediately remove muffins from the tin and transfer them to a cooling rack. This prevents sogginess and helps maintain a crisp exterior.
- Serve: Enjoy your muffins warm for extra melty chocolate and delightful softness, or at room temperature as a delicious snack or breakfast treat.
Notes
- Use buttermilk for tenderness and flavor; if unavailable, use 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins; some lumps are okay.
- Using semi-sweet chocolate chips balances sweetness and richness.
- Adjust bake times slightly depending on your oven performance.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts.
