Red Velvet Muffins with White Chocolate Chips

Red Velvet Muffins with White Chocolate Chips are soft, moist, bakery-style muffins featuring the rich cocoa flavor and vibrant red color of classic red velvet cake, studded with creamy white chocolate chips. These indulgent muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These muffins are a treat for both the eyes and the palate. They deliver the rich, velvety texture and mild chocolate flavor of red velvet cake in a convenient handheld form. The white chocolate chips add sweetness and a creamy contrast, while the deep red color makes them ideal for festive occasions or special mornings. They’re easy to make, store well, and taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• White vinegar
• Red food coloring
• White chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Gently fold in most of the white chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping.
6. Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full.
7. Top each muffin with a few extra white chocolate chips.
8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 standard muffins. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and baking takes 20 minutes, for a total of 35 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

• Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate.
• Add a swirl of cream cheese to the batter for a cheesecake-like variation.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top for extra texture.
• Make mini muffins for bite-sized treats; reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

What makes red velvet muffins red?

The red color traditionally comes from a combination of cocoa powder, vinegar, and food coloring.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, beetroot powder or juice can be used as a natural alternative, though the color may be more muted.

Why is vinegar used in the recipe?

Vinegar reacts with baking soda and cocoa to help create a soft, tender texture and enhance the red color.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Are these muffins overly sweet?

They are moderately sweet, but you can reduce the sugar slightly or use fewer chocolate chips if desired.

Can I use cupcake liners?

Yes, paper liners work perfectly and make cleanup easier.

Why did my muffins turn out dry?

Overmixing the batter or overbaking can cause dryness. Mix just until combined and check doneness early.

Can I add frosting?

Yes, a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top turns these muffins into elegant cupcakes.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just ensure even distribution of ingredients and adjust baking trays accordingly.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Muffins with White Chocolate Chips are a rich, moist, and festive treat that combines the classic elegance of red velvet cake with the convenience of a muffin. With their beautiful appearance and irresistible flavor, they’re ideal for holidays, celebrations, or whenever you want to elevate your muffin game.

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