Molten Chocolate Chip Muffins

Indulgently rich muffins with gooey molten centers filled with chocolate chips, offering a perfect balance of crisp tops and soft interiors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins transform the classic chocolate chip experience into a decadent treat. With a crisp exterior and a warm, gooey chocolate core, they offer a bakery-quality indulgence at home. Ideal for special breakfasts, dessert, or an elegant treat to impress guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Whole milk
• Vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• Semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened—do not overmix.
5. Fold in semisweet chocolate chips.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle a few extra chips on top.
7. Bake for 16–18 minutes, until the tops are set and beginning to crack—but the center remains soft.
8. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. The centers will firm slightly but remain molten.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 12 muffins
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Bake time: 16–18 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 28 minutes

Variations

• Salted caramel twist: Add a caramel-filled chocolate piece (like Rolos) into each muffin before baking.
• Nutty crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for texture contrast.
• White‑dark swirl: Use a combination of semisweet and white chocolate chips.
• Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon for a subtle heat.

Storage/reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days; warm briefly before serving to restore the molten center.
• Freezing: Freeze baked muffins individually in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then reheat in a 350 °F oven for about 5–7 minutes.
• Reheating: Microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a low oven to revive the gooey center.

FAQs

What makes these muffins “molten”?

The centers remain slightly underbaked—just set on the edges but soft in the middle—resulting in a warm, molten chocolate interior.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?

Yes, dark chocolate chips work beautifully, providing a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

My muffins sink in the middle—why?

This can happen if the bake time is too short or if the batter is overmixed. Ensure proper baking time and fold ingredients gently.

Are these muffins suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. Freeze fully cooled muffins individually for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving to enjoy the molten effect.

Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes—use almond, oat, or soy milk in an equal amount for a dairy-free version.

Is there a gluten-free option?

You can swap all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly, but the molten effect remains.

Why did my muffins crack on top?

Cracks are desirable—they indicate a tender crumb and high moisture. They result from the batter rising rapidly in the hot oven.

Can I make these in a mini‑muffin pan?

Yes—baking time will be shorter (about 10–12 minutes). Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

How do I prevent sticking to liners or pan?

Use high-quality paper liners or grease the pan. Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.

Can I add fillings like peanut butter or jam?

Definitely—drop a teaspoon of peanut butter, Nutella, or jam into the center of each muffin before baking for delightful surprises.

Conclusion

Molten Chocolate Chip Muffins offer a luxurious twist on a beloved classic, with their irresistible combination of crisp tops and warm, gooey centers. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up these indulgent treats that feel bakery-made but are easy to prepare at home. Experiment with variations like nuts, salted caramel, or dairy alternatives to craft your perfect version. Enjoy every molten bite!

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