Hot chocolate muffins are the perfect way to combine two classic comfort foods into one delicious treat. There’s nothing quite like the indulgence of a warm, gooey muffin paired with a rich and creamy hot chocolate. But finding the perfect recipe that delivers both taste and texture can be challenging. Luckily, we have a foolproof recipe for hot chocolate muffins that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth. These muffins are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and are perfect for any occasion. So, learn how to make the most decadent and irresistible hot chocolate muffins that will leave you and your loved ones craving more!

What to use instead of the hot cocoa mix?

Hot cocoa or chocolate mix serves as the main ingredient for this recipe. However, if you don’t have hot cocoa mix available, here are a few things you can use:

• Carob powder: If you are into baking, you would have heard of or used carob powder. This ingredient is widely used as a substitute for cocoa powder. For those who don’t prefer the bitterness of cocoa powder but love its richness and depth, carob powder is the ingredient to use. It is less bitter and has more sweetness making it a perfect substitute for the hot cocoa mix.
• Shaved chocolate: If you don’t want a hot cocoa mix, simply use shaved dairy or dark chocolate. You can also melt it to ensure it is combined with the offered ingredients effortlessly.
• Sweetened cocoa powder: Using a simple sweetened cocoa powder instead of a hot cocoa mix is also a smart substitute.
• Chocolate chips: when you have nothing else to use, simply use chocolate chips. You can use dairy or dark chocolate. Whatever you prefer will work.

How Can I make vegan and gluten-free Hot Chocolate Muffins?

With a few tweaks, you can make this recipe vegan and gluten-free. To make this recipe gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour. You can also use coconut, oats, or almond flour in its place.

For vegan muffins, replace any dairy ingredient with a plant-based ingredient, like use oats or almond milk, nut butter, and flax egg (flax seeds in water) instead of dairy egg.

With these simple changes, you can get desired results and enjoy delicious hot chocolate muffins.

How can I add more flavor?

Ho chocolate muffins are delicious, but there is always room to add more flavor and texture to these muffins. Here are a few ways you can add more flavor to these hot chocolate muffins and make them special:

• Spices: Spices like ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom add warmth and aroma to the muffins. Add red chili powder or cayenne pepper to elevate the flavors even further. The kick of heat will make these muffins more flavorsome.
• White chocolate: Adding white chocolate chips to the batter will give it a unique and sweet flavor.
• Caramel chips: Caramel chips have a deep sweet toffee-like flavor, making these muffins more tasteful.

Topping ideas

There are so many ways you can decorate these hot chocolate muffins. Here are a few ideas you should try:

• Chocolate: Top these muffins with melted chocolate, chocolate chips, or chocolate glaze and enjoy the richness of a chocolaty treat.
• Sprinkles: Nothing can beat colorful sprinkles. They add so much color to cakes, cupcakes, and muffins, making them visually appealing and fun.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts to these muffins. They will add crunch and make these muffins more enjoyable.
• Candied fruits: Candied ginger, lemon peel, or cherry are also a good addition to these muffins.

Hot Chocolate Muffins – The recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

¾ cup hot cocoa mix

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

2 eggs

¾ cup milk

½ cup butter melted and cooled

1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract

¾ cup mini chocolate chips

Preparation

1. Prepare the oven and preheat it to 375 degrees F. Also, prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lightly coating it with cooking spray.
2. Add salt, baking powder, sugar, hot cocoa mix, and flour in a bowl until everything combines well.
3. Add vanilla extract, butter, milk, and eggs in another bowl, and whisk until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Then pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and combine until just mixed. Add chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed in the batter.
5. Once the batter is ready, transfer it to the prepared muffin tin and place it in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
6. Once the chocolate muffins are ready, remove them from the oven and leave them to rest for 10 minutes, then remove them from the muffin tin and place them on the wire rack until cooled completely.
7. Serve and enjoy!