These orange chocolate chip muffins are a tasty treat! They combine the zesty flavor of oranges with sweet chocolate chips, making every bite a yummy surprise.
I love how the citrus lifts my mood! They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack, and I can’t resist having one fresh out of the oven. Just a hint of sweetness and a burst of orange—delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour gives muffins their structure. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead.
Granulated Sugar: It adds sweetness. For a healthier option, use coconut sugar or swap in honey (but use less, as it’s sweeter).
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for control over salt levels. You can substitute with coconut oil or applesauce for a dairy-free option.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk works best, but almond or oat milk can be great dairy-free choices.
Fresh Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh juice and zest provide vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use bottled orange juice but zest is best fresh. Adjust for taste!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is traditional, but dark chocolate or even white chocolate can be used for a different twist!
How Can I Prevent My Muffins from Being Tough?
Overmixing is a common problem that leads to tough muffins! Here’s how to keep them tender:
- Mix your wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them.
- When you add the wet ingredients to the dry, stir gently until just combined. Don’t worry about small lumps.
- Be mindful not to overfill the muffin cups; 3/4 full is perfect.
This way, you’ll have fluffy, soft muffins with a delightful texture every time! Enjoy baking!
Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 18-22 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you should set aside about 40-45 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious muffins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the muffins rise nicely while baking. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the muffin cups to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agent and sugar throughout the flour.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Mix everything until it’s smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. It’s important to stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter!
5. Add Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly into the batter. This adds a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the orange flavor.
6. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This allows space for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
7. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
8. Cool the Muffins:
Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep them tender.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These muffins are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. The combination of bright citrus and melty chocolate is truly irresistible. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the muffins may be denser. You might want to use a mix of both for a lighter texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage – just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Can I Replace the Butter with Oil?
Absolutely! You can use an equal amount of vegetable or coconut oil instead of butter. This can give the muffins a slightly different texture but will still be delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Oranges?
If fresh oranges aren’t available, you can use bottled orange juice, but aim for a high-quality one without added sugar for the best flavor. Consider using 1-2 teaspoons of orange extract for additional zest, if desired.
