Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
Introduction
These Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins are a delightful treat combining bright citrus flavor with rich chocolate. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they are moist, fluffy, and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until well combined.
- Step 3: In another bowl, beat the egg with milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Step 6: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Step 7: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra citrus aroma, add a teaspoon of orange extract along with the zest.
- Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or dried cranberries for a different flavor twist.
- Use freshly grated orange zest rather than dried for the best bright flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay and help keep muffins light and fluffy.
Storage
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or briefly toast them for a fresh-baked feel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use orange juice instead of zest?
While orange zest provides concentrated flavor and oils, you can add a tablespoon of orange juice for additional citrus taste, but it won’t be as fragrant as using zest.
How can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free chocolate chip to keep the muffins completely dairy-free.
PrintOrange Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
Delightfully fluffy Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins combine the zesty brightness of fresh orange zest with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips, making a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavorings and Add-ins
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar until light. Then stir in the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Scoop Batter: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake Muffins: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are golden and fluffy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated orange zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure muffins stay light and tender.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate depending on preference.
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins, Breakfast Muffins, Citrus Muffins, Chocolate Chip Recipes, Easy Muffin Recipe
