Small Batch Chocolate Cherry Muffins
Introduction
Crafting Sweet Moments
Who doesn’t love the classic combination of chocolate and cherry? These small-batch chocolate cherry muffins are a delightful treat for anyone looking for a sweet, fruity indulgence. Perfectly sized to avoid waste or to just treat yourself and one or two loved ones, this recipe balances the rich, velvety flavor of chocolate with the tart sweetness of cherries.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
A Perfect Blend of Flavors
– All-purpose flour: ⅓ cup and 1 tablespoon
– Cocoa powder: 2 tablespoons
– Baking soda: ⅛ teaspoon
– Baking powder: ¼ teaspoon
– Granulated sugar: 3 tablespoons
– Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon
– Pinch of salt
– Milk: 2 tablespoons
– Plain yogurt: 3 tablespoons
– Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
– Egg yolk: 1
– Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon
– Chopped cherries: 4-5 (adjust based on preference)
– Mini chocolate chips: 2 tablespoons
Prep Time
Get Your Tools Ready
The preparation for this recipe is relatively simple and quick, suitable even for beginner bakers. In just a matter of minutes, you can have all of your ingredients measured and mixed, ready to be baked into fluffy, chocolatey muffins.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The Final Touch
– Cook Time: Around 12 to 15 minutes at 350°F, ensuring the muffins are baked to perfection without overcooking.
– Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes from start to finish.
– Yield: Ideal for 3 glorious muffins, perfect for a cozy breakfast, quick snack, or after-dinner treat.
End your day or start your morning with these simply irresistible chocolate cherry muffins! Easy to make, they offer the perfect sweetness to brighten any moment while letting you avoid the temptation of large portions.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a standard muffin pan with 6 paper liners or grease the muffin cups if you are not using liners.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth. Finally, stir in the buttermilk until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in dense muffins.
Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Fruits
Carefully fold in the chopped sweet cherries and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, evenly divide the batter among 6 muffin cups. Each cup should be about three-quarters full.
Step 7: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin pan on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the tops of the muffins are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool the Muffins
Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
Note on Ingredient Measurements
The recipe is specifically developed to yield a small batch of 6 muffins. If you’re scaling the recipe up or down, adjust ingredient quantities proportionately.
Note on Cocoa Powder
For the best chocolate flavor, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa powder can be used for a richer taste, though this may alter the sweetness slightly.
Note on Sweet Cherries
Use fresh sweet cherries, pitted and chopped. If fresh cherries are unavailable, frozen cherries can be used, but make sure they are thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Note on Mixing
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can result in muffins that are dense or rubbery.
Note on Muffin Toppings
Before baking, you can sprinkle extra chocolate chips or a light dusting of granulated or turbinado sugar on the tops of the muffins for added texture.
Note on Storage
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature before enjoying.
Cook Techniques
Properly Measure Ingredients
Ensure accurate measurements of ingredients, especially flour, by using the spoon-and-level method. Avoid packing the flour into the measuring cup. This prevents the muffins from becoming dense.
Use Fresh Cherries
Whenever possible, use fresh cherries for this recipe. Pit and chop them into small, even pieces for even flavor distribution throughout the muffins.
Do Not Overmix the Batter
To keep the muffins soft and tender, gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing the batter can result in dense or tough muffins.
Check Muffins with a Toothpick
To ensure the muffins are cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool Muffins Properly
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from becoming soggy.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the frozen cherries well before adding them to the muffin batter. Excess moisture might affect the texture of the muffins.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
You can use other mix-ins like chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or a combination of your favorite add-ins as an alternative to semi-sweet chocolate chips.
How should I store the muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
How can I make these muffins vegan?
To make the muffins vegan, you can use plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes. You may also use a flax egg or other egg replacement option.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this is a small-batch recipe, so you can double the ingredient quantities to make a larger batch. Ensure you do not overfill the muffin tins.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
You can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. However, the texture may vary slightly depending on the blend you use.
Conclusion
The Small Batch Chocolate Cherry Muffins are a delightful treat for any time of the day. Their rich combination of chocolate and cherries creates a burst of flavors that is elegantly balanced with a moist and fluffy texture. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins are incredibly satisfying and perfect for smaller gatherings or just for indulging yourself. Simple to make and full of flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
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