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Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Muffins: Festive Treat

Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Muffins: Festive Treat


Description

Welcome to the delightful world of Festive Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Muffins! If you’re a fan of rich chocolate flavor paired with the refreshing taste of peppermint, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite. These Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Muffins are not only a treat for the taste buds but also visually festive, with peppermint candies adding a pop of color to every muffin. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or looking for a cozy treat to enjoy by the fireplace, these muffins are the perfect choice. Let’s dive in and bring the flavors of the season right to your kitchen!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chocolate chunks (semi-sweet or dark)
  • ½ cup crushed peppermint candies, plus extra for topping

Optional Substitutions:

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use almond milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice as a buttermilk replacement.
  • Use gluten-free all-purpose flour if you need a gluten-free option.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This will ensure your muffins bake evenly and are easy to remove.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly will help the muffins rise evenly.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Be sure the butter has cooled slightly before adding it to prevent curdling with the eggs.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined; overmixing can result in a dense muffin texture.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chunks and Peppermint Candies

Fold in the chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will ensure every bite has a mix of chocolatey and peppermint goodness.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ of the way full. Sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies on top of each muffin to add a festive touch.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother batter and fluffier muffin texture.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
  • Even Muffin Sizes: Use an ice cream scoop to portion out the batter evenly. This ensures all muffins bake at the same rate.