There’s nothing quite like the feeling of cozying up with a warm treat fresh out of the oven, especially when it’s something as delightful as Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins. Picture this: the mingling scents of rich cocoa and sweet vanilla wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. I discovered this recipe during one of those quiet weekends when I was experimenting with a batch of sourdough discard. Instead of tossing it away, I unearthed a sweet surprise!
These mini muffins are the perfect antidote to mundane fast food cravings, offering a home-cooked hug in every bite. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up in just 22 minutes, but they also burst with flavor thanks to the mini chocolate chips and subtle tang of sourdough. It’s a delicious and clever way to reduce waste while treating yourself and your loved ones to something that feels indulgent without all the fuss. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to bring joy to your taste buds and warmth to your heart!
Why will you love Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins?
Quick and Simple: They come together in just 22 minutes, making them an ideal treat for busy days.
Deliciously Unique: With the perfect balance of rich chocolate and a hint of tang from sourdough, every bite is a scrumptious surprise.
Waste Not, Want Not: This recipe cleverly uses sourdough discard, allowing you to reduce waste while creating something delightful.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Sized just right for sharing, these mini muffins are a hit whether at parties or for a cozy afternoon snack.
Healthy Twist: Packed with Greek yogurt, they offer a protein boost without skimping on taste—perfect for health-conscious bakers.
Indulge in the joy of baking today! Try pairing them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a soothing afternoon treat.
Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins Ingredients
For the Batter
• Honey – A natural sweetener, perfect for adding moisture and a touch of floral flavor.
• Butter – Melted for richness, it enhances the muffins’ softness and flavor.
• Milk – Provides moisture; whole milk works best for creamy texture.
• Sourdough Discard – The star of this recipe, adding a unique tang and depth of flavor to your muffins.
• Plain Greek Yogurt – Adds creaminess and a protein boost, making these muffins a bit healthier.
• Vanilla Extract – A key ingredient that elevates sweetness and aroma.
• Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
For the Dry Ingredients
• All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of your muffins, giving them structure.
• Baking Powder – A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise beautifully.
• Baking Soda – Works with the sourdough to give an extra lift and perfect texture.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; don’t skip it!
• Cocoa Powder – Provides that rich chocolate flavor that makes these muffins irresistible.
• Mini Chocolate Chips – Sprinkle these in for bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
With these Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins ingredients, you’re ready to create a delightful treat that’s both satisfying and good for the planet!
How to Make Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins
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Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F to get it nice and hot, ensuring perfectly baked muffins. This temperature works wonders for that golden exterior!
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix together the honey, melted butter, milk, sourdough discard, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and egg. Stir gently until everything is combined and creamy.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your muffins will rise beautifully and have a lovely chocolate flavor.
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Blend Together: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep those muffins tender and fluffy!
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Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, making sure each muffin will have oozing pockets of chocolatey goodness.
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Prepare Muffin Pan: Grease your mini muffin pan, or line it with paper liners, for easy removal. Use a 1½ tablespoons scoop to fill each compartment, aiming for about 24 muffins.
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Bake: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with a few crumbs attached.
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Cool and Store: Once baked, cool the muffins on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container on the counter to keep them fresh and delicious.
Optional: Sprinkle an extra few mini chocolate chips on top before baking for an extra chocolatey touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins?
These delightful mini muffins shine even brighter when complemented by the perfect accompaniments, making for a well-rounded treat.
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Fresh Berries: Their tartness adds a bright contrast to the rich chocolate, enhancing every bite’s flavor profile. A handful of mixed berries can elevate your muffin experience, bringing a refreshing touch to the sweetness.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a luxurious flair when served alongside the muffins. A dollop on top transforms a casual snack into an elegant dessert!
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Espresso or Coffee: The bold, rich flavors of coffee or a shot of espresso beautifully balance the sweetness of the muffins, creating a warm and comforting pairing. Imagine savoring this with friends on a cozy weekend morning!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For a delectable dessert, serve warm muffins with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream melds with the chocolate, making each bite a delightful indulgence.
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Nut Butter: A spread of almond or peanut butter offers a lovely nutty flavor that complements the chocolate, while also adding protein. This combo makes the muffins even more filling—a great option for breakfast!
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Mint Tea: A refreshing cup of mint tea cleanses the palate, making it a delightful beverage to enjoy with your muffins. The herbal notes intertwine beautifully with chocolate, leaving you refreshed.
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Coconut Yogurt: For a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt topped with sliced bananas or your favorite nuts. It brings a tropical creaminess that pairs remarkably with the muffins’ rich chocolate.
Embrace the joy of these pairings, and create a memorable experience that brings warmth and comfort to your table!
Storage Tips for Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins
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Room Temperature: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them soft and ready to enjoy.
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Fridge: If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be aware they may dry out slightly.
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Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave before enjoying.
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Reheating: For the best experience, reheat your Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm and fragrant.
Expert Tips for Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins
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Sourdough Discard Care: Ensure your sourdough discard is bubbly and fresh for the best flavor. Stale discard can lead to dense muffins.
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Don’t Overmix: Gently stir the batter until just combined; overmixing can make your muffins tough instead of tender.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, milk, and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a uniform batter and fluffy muffins.
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Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out with moist crumbs, your Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins are perfect!
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Add Extra Flavor: Consider mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for a unique twist on the classic chocolate flavor.
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Storage Tips: Keep your muffins in an airtight container to maintain their moisture, and they’ll stay delightful for several days!
Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe, turning your mini muffins into a unique masterpiece that satisfies your cravings!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly twist.
- Nutty Delight: Add 50 grams of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch and a boost of healthy fats. These nuts pair wonderfully with the rich chocolate flavor!
- Fruit-Infused: Replace half of the mini chocolate chips with fresh blueberries or raspberries. The fruity bursts add a refreshing note to each muffin.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dry ingredients for a surprising chocolate and spice combo. It elevates the chocolate flavor to a whole new level!
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these muffins suitable for gluten-sensitive friends without sacrificing taste.
- Double Chocolate: Increase the cocoa powder to 60 grams and adjust flour accordingly for chocolate lovers who can’t get enough of that rich taste.
- Sweet Maple: Swap honey for maple syrup for a different type of sweetness and a sticky texture that beautifully melds with the chocolate.
- Zesty Flavors: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the wet ingredients for a bright citrusy note that beautifully complements the chocolate.
Unleash your creativity and let these variations transform your Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins into an even more delightful treat!
Make Ahead Options
These Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy mornings! You can mix the muffin batter and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, keeping the flavors and texture just as delightful. To maintain quality, make sure to cover the bowl tightly to prevent the batter from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the batter into the muffin pan and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can bake the muffins in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, each mini muffin is ready to be enjoyed whenever cravings strike, ensuring delicious results with minimal effort!
Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins Recipe FAQs
What type of sourdough discard should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture in your Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins, use a bubbly and active sourdough discard. This indicates that it contains live yeast, which adds a delightful tang and helps with the muffins’ rise. If your discard has been sitting in the fridge for a while, it’s best to refresh it a day before baking.
How should I store my Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins?
You can store your muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just keep in mind that refrigeration may dry them out slightly. To enjoy them at their best, reheat them slightly before serving!
Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins, let them cool completely first. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid—this usually takes about 1-2 hours. Afterward, transfer the muffins to a zip-top freezer bag and store them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if my muffins come out dense?
If you find that your Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins are dense, the likely culprit could be overmixing the batter. Remember to stir just until combined—this will keep the muffins light and fluffy. Additionally, check that your sourdough discard is fresh and bubbly, as stale discard can also lead to heavier muffins.
Are these muffins suitable for those with food allergies?
These mini muffins contain common allergens such as milk, egg, and gluten (from flour). If you have dietary restrictions, consider making substitutions like oat milk for dairy or a flaxseed egg substitute instead of a regular egg. Always ensure to check labels and choose alternative ingredients that suit your needs.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins?
Very! You can spice up the flavor by adding a pinch of espresso powder or a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. Both will complement the chocolate beautifully and create a more complex taste profile. Experimenting with different add-ins like nuts or dried fruits can also elevate your muffins to new delicious heights!
Delicious Sourdough Chocolate Mini Muffins to Satisfy Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, mix together the honey, melted butter, milk, sourdough discard, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and egg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Grease your mini muffin pan or line with paper liners, then fill each compartment aiming for about 24 muffins.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes. They're done when a toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
- Cool the muffins on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container once completely cooled.
