Hello, fellow bakers! 🌸 If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, sweet, and slightly indulgent treat, you’re in the right place. These Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins combine juicy cherries with rich chocolate chips, offering the perfect explosion of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these muffins will quickly become a favorite!
Introduction
There’s something special about the combination of cherries and chocolate. It’s a timeless flavor pairing, reminiscent of childhood treats and cozy moments. These Moist Cherry Chocolate Explosion Muffins take that classic combo to the next level. The juicy cherries burst with flavor, while the chocolate chips melt into rich pockets of goodness. The result? A muffin that’s soft, tender, and packed with deliciousness in every bite.
I remember baking these muffins with my grandmother, who always had a jar of maraschino cherries ready for special recipes. The kitchen would fill with the sweet aroma of cherries and chocolate, and we’d sit down with warm muffins and a glass of milk. I hope this recipe brings the same joy and nostalgia to your home.
Ingredients
To prepare these delicious Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (plus a few whole for topping)
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins
Follow these steps to create your own batch of Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Fold in the extras: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries, ensuring an even distribution.
- Fill the muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. If desired, top each with a whole cherry and extra chocolate chips.
- Bake the muffins: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Helpful Tips
Here are some tips to make sure your Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins turn out perfect every time:
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter come together smoothly, ensuring even baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid dense muffins.
- Drain the cherries well: Too much liquid from the cherries can make the batter too wet, so make sure they are well-drained.
Cooking Tips
- Use an ice cream scoop: To evenly distribute the batter into the muffin tin, use an ice cream scoop. It’s mess-free and ensures each muffin is the same size.
- Opt for dark chocolate chips: If you want a slightly less sweet muffin, dark chocolate chips add a rich, deep flavor that complements the cherries.
- Equipment recommendation: If you have a stand mixer, it’s perfect for combining the wet ingredients quickly and evenly.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them for an extra special treat:
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea: The rich chocolate and sweet cherry flavors go perfectly with a hot beverage.
- Serve warm with whipped cream: For a more indulgent dessert, top a warm muffin with whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Great for brunch: These muffins add a sweet touch to any brunch spread, especially when paired with savory dishes like scrambled eggs or bacon.
Nutritional Information
Each muffin is a delightful treat, but it’s always nice to know the nutrition facts, right? Here’s a brief look at the Nutritional Information for one muffin:
- Calories: 245
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Potassium: 70mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin A: 300 IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 1mg
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store the muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They stay moist and delicious, but you can warm them in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Reheat: For the best results, heat a muffin in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, just enough to make the chocolate chips gooey again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can! However, make sure to pit the cherries and cut them into small pieces. Fresh cherries may add more moisture to the batter, so keep an eye on the baking time.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, and the results should still be fantastic.
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute works well. It may slightly change the flavor, but the muffins will still be moist and delicious.
Related Recipes
If you loved these muffins, here are some other recipes you might enjoy:
Check out these recipes and explore more exciting dishes on OptimalRecipes.com!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this easy and delightful Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe. Whether you make them for a quick breakfast treat, a snack, or even a sweet gift for a friend, these muffins are sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your feedback and any creative variations you try with this recipe. Happy baking!
Print
Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins | Moist & Delicious Recipe
Description
Hello, fellow bakers! 🌸 If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, sweet, and slightly indulgent treat, you’re in the right place. These Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins combine juicy cherries with rich chocolate chips, offering the perfect explosion of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these muffins will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (plus a few whole for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Fold in the extras: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped cherries, ensuring an even distribution.
- Fill the muffin tin: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. If desired, top each with a whole cherry and extra chocolate chips.
- Bake the muffins: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter come together smoothly, ensuring even baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid dense muffins.
- Drain the cherries well: Too much liquid from the cherries can make the batter too wet, so make sure they are well-drained.
