The Perfect Chocolate Espresso Muffins

The ritual of a morning cup of coffee is one that has been woven into my life since I was 16 years old. While my coffee order and preferences has changed over the years, the comforting feeling that magical first sip brings has not changed. My introduction to coffee came in the form of a Cafe Mocha and this recipe is a nod to the nostalgia of chocolate and coffee. I hope these muffins add a bit of magic to your morning!

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Muffins

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, I prefer using black cocoa

• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder (this is optional)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup sour cream at room temperature

• 1/3 cup of espresso at room temperature (or very strong coffee)

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

• 2 large eggs at room temperature

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

For the Espresso Glaze

• 2 cups of powder sugar

• 4 tablespoons of espresso (or strongly brewed coffee) at room temperature

Lets Get Started!

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and instant espresso powder.

• In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, then add in the sour cream and 2 large eggs, combine well.

• Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

• Fold in the chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 2: Baking the Muffins

• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

• To get professional looking muffins we will need to bake them at 2 different temperatures. Let the muffins bake at 425°F for 8 minutes and then lower the temperature to 350°F and bake for 5-10 minutes. You can test to see if the muffins are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of the muffin...if it comes out clean the muffins are ready to come out of the oven! (If you want to bake the muffins at one temperature you can preheat your oven to 350°F and let them bake for 18-20 minutes)

• Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Espresso Glaze

• In a bowl combine 2 cups of powdered sugar with 4 tablespoons of espresso, mix well.

• I like to lightly drizzle the slightly cooled muffins with the espresso glaze

"Magic is the art of bringing the unseen into the seen, and cooking

(and baking) is the perfect way to do that."

-The Kitchen Witch