Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe

With the arrival of fall, there’s no better way to celebrate than by baking a batch of warm, delicious pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. These muffins are not only quick to make, but they also embody the cozy flavors of the season. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert, these muffins are sure to impress everyone.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a unique flavor)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup sour cream (substituting yogurt works too)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

  
  

This list gives you everything you need to create mouthwatering muffins that will fill your kitchen with the scent of fall.

Prepping Your Muffin Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your muffins bake evenly, resulting in a perfectly fluffy texture.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, white sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Mix these ingredients until well blended. The pumpkin puree is not only a source of moisture but also provides a rich, earthy flavor. The sugars add sweetness and help form a lovely caramelized crust.

Then add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Stir until everything is well combined. The sour cream or yogurt enhances both the flavor and moistness of the muffins, making each bite a delight.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. This step is crucial. By uniformly blending the leavening agents with the flour, your muffins will rise beautifully and have a light texture.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine, as overmixing can lead to denser muffins, which we want to avoid. The goal is to create muffins that are light and fluffy, with a soft crumb.

Adding the Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips. These delectable morsels will melt slightly while baking, resulting in pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite. Aim for an even distribution within the batter so each muffin has its fair share of sweetness.

Baking Your Muffins

Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking. Using a scoop or spoon, fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter. This allows enough room for the muffins to rise without overflowing.

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin—the toothpick should come out clean. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma of pumpkin and chocolate, making it nearly impossible to wait to sample one!

Cooling and Enjoying

Once the muffins are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them sit in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely; this is essential for preventing sogginess.

Once cooled, these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are delightful on their own. However, for an extra treat, consider spreading a little butter or cream cheese on top!

Storing Your Muffins

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely, but just in case), store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up.

Why You'll Love These Muffins

These pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are not only scrumptious but also highly customizable. You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, swap out the semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or even butterscotch chips for a fun twist. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking can add a delightful crunch that enhances the flavor.

This simple muffin recipe is perfect for any autumn occasion. Whether you're planning a cozy get-together, contributing to a potluck, or simply treating yourself during a quiet day at home, these muffins are sure to be a hit.