Chocolate Muffins

### **Step-by-Step Instructions**

#### **1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.

#### **2. Mix the Dry Ingredients**
– In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
– Stir in the sugar to combine. This will be your dry ingredient mixture.

#### **3. Combine the Wet Ingredients**
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
– Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep the muffins light and fluffy.

#### **4. Add the Chocolate Chips**
– Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips (and nuts, if using). This adds little pockets of chocolate in every bite.

#### **5. Fill Muffin Tin**
– Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. You can sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for an extra touch.

#### **6. Bake the Muffins**
– Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with just a few crumbs).
– Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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### **Tips for the Best Chocolate Muffins**

1. **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the muffins dense.
2. **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** For a smoother batter, ensure your egg and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
3. **Customize Your Muffins:** Feel free to add a handful of extras like nuts, dried fruit, or marshmallows to make them your own.
4. **Store Properly:** These muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month.
5. **Use Buttermilk for Extra Moisture:** If you want an even more tender muffin, substitute buttermilk for regular milk.

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### **Serving Ideas**

– **With a Glass of Milk:** These chocolate muffins pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea.
– **As a Dessert:** Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
– **For a Festive Touch:** Add colorful sprinkles on top or drizzle with melted chocolate for a more festive or dessert-style muffin.

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### **Conclusion**

These **Chocolate Muffins** are everything you love about chocolate in a portable, bite-sized treat. With their soft, moist texture and rich flavor, they’re the perfect breakfast option or snack to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

So, preheat that oven, get your ingredients ready, and bake up a batch of these delightful chocolate muffins—you won’t regret it!