Craving a delightful treat that perfectly blends the richness of red velvet with the sweetness of chocolate chips? These Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Muffins are a must-try! With a moist, fluffy texture and a hint of chocolate flavor, these bakery-style muffins capture the essence of a classic red velvet cake in every bite.
The simplicity of this recipe makes it a winner – made with basic ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, and white chocolate chips, these muffins come together effortlessly, perfect for a cozy baking session. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these muffins are a delightful way to add a touch of romance to your day.
Ingredients
Necessary Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup buttermilk or 1/3 cup milk combined with 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons red liquid food coloring
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- None
Equipment Needed
For preparing these delicious Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Muffins, there are a few essential kitchen tools and equipment that I recommend having on hand for a smooth baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Muffin tin or cupcake pan
- Muffin liners or parchment paper liners
- Mixing bowls (medium to large)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Having these basic baking tools handy will ensure that you can easily follow the recipe and create delightful Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Muffins at home.
Preparation Steps
Before diving into baking these delicious Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Muffins, it’s essential to prep your muffin tin, mix the dry ingredients, and blend the wet ingredients effectively. Following these simple preparation steps ensures a smooth baking process and a delightful end result.
Prepping the Muffin Tin
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Line the mini muffin pans with cupcake liners.
- If you’re not using buttermilk, mix 1/3 cup of milk with 1 tsp of lemon juice and let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients—flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Set the bowl of mixed dry ingredients aside for the next steps.
- In a separate large measuring cup or another bowl, add the wet ingredients—egg, oil, buttermilk (or milk and lemon juice mixture), cocoa powder, and red food coloring.
- Mix the wet ingredients until well blended and the cocoa powder is fully incorporated.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until just moist, ensuring not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently, leaving a few lumps in the batter for a moist and tender texture.
Baking Instructions
Combining Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. In a separate large bowl, combine the butter, oil, sugar, egg, egg white, food coloring, and vanilla extract, ensuring a thorough mix of ingredients. Gradually whisk in the buttermilk until the mixture is fully blended.
Filling the Muffin Tin
Prepare the muffin tin by either lining it with paper liners or greasing it thoroughly. Fill each muffin cup almost to the top to achieve beautifully risen muffins with a great height. Smooth the batter gently in the muffin tins to ensure even baking.
Baking Time and Temperature
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (215°C) before placing the muffin tin in the oven. Bake the muffins for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ensure that the muffins are fully baked and have a lovely golden-brown color.
Tips for Perfect Muffins
To ensure your Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Muffins turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
1. Room Temperature Ingredients
Set out the eggs and buttermilk on the counter at least 30 minutes before starting your baking. This step ensures that all the ingredients blend smoothly, resulting in a well-mixed batter.
2. Buttermilk Substitute
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t worry! You can create a substitute by adding 2 ¼ teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to your measuring cup and then filling it up with enough water to reach the ¾ cup line. Alternatively, you can also use 2% or whole milk as a replacement.
These simple yet crucial tips will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Muffins.
Customizing Your Muffins
If you want to take your Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Muffins to the next level, here are some great customization options to consider:
Adding a Cream Cheese Swirl
For an extra decadent twist, try adding a cream cheese swirl to your muffins. Simply mix softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract. Spoon this mixture on top of the muffin batter before baking for a delightful cream cheese surprise inside each muffin.
Chocolate Chip Variations
Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties to customize your muffins. Besides classic white or semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can try using dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even flavored chips like mint or peanut butter for a unique twist to your Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Muffins.
Storing and Freezing
How to Store
After baking these scrumptious Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Muffins, it’s essential to store them correctly to maintain their freshness. Place the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay delicious for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating them as it may cause the muffins to dry out, altering their texture and taste.
How to Freeze
If you want to enjoy these delightful muffins at a later time, freezing is the way to go. Once the muffins have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer. To ensure the muffins retain their moisture and flavor, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to indulge, reheat the frozen muffins in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or microwave for approximately 30 seconds until warmed through.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Muffins are a delightful treat that brings together the best of both worlds – the richness of red velvet and the sweetness of chocolate chips. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, baking these muffins is a breeze. Remember to experiment with different variations like cream cheese swirls or alternative chocolate chip flavors to make them your own. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these muffins are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Happy baking!