These Chocolate Oatmeal Muffins are the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and wholesome oats, making them a delicious treat for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. With a tender crumb, bursts of chocolate chips, and a satisfying chew from the oats, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite. They are easy to make and customizable with your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruit. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or pack them for a midday snack, these muffins are guaranteed to delight chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (100g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (or any milk alternative)
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray. This will ensure that the muffins release easily after baking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure the ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps of cocoa or flour. This step ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients in the batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and well combined. The oil provides moisture, while the eggs add structure to the muffins.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it should still be lumpy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins with a tougher texture.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping. This ensures that the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the muffins, providing delicious chocolate bursts in every bite.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Tins
- Divide Batter: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Top each muffin with the reserved chocolate chips and a sprinkle of oats for a decorative touch and added texture.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake Muffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the muffins.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Cool Muffins: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the muffins set and makes them easier to handle.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Oatmeal Muffins
- Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep them extra moist, you can add a slice of bread to the container, which will help absorb excess moisture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the microwave or oven as needed.
- Customize Your Muffins: Feel free to add your favorite extras like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a swirl of peanut butter for additional flavor and texture.
- Make it Healthier: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber, or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or a natural sweetener to reduce the refined sugar content.
Nutrition Information (per muffin, makes 12)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 5g
These Chocolate Oatmeal Muffins are a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the wholesome goodness of oats. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, these muffins are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings in a healthier way. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or pack them up for a delicious snack on the go!