Quick & Dreamy Double Chocolate Espresso Muffins Recipe

Decadent double chocolate espresso muffins revolutionize ordinary mornings into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Rich cocoa and robust coffee create a harmonious dance of intense flavors.

Dark chocolate chips melt into pockets of pure indulgence, promising a deeply satisfying experience.

Soft, tender crumbs carry a bold caffeine-infused profile that awakens sleepy taste buds.

The delicate balance between sweet and bitter notes makes these muffins irresistibly complex.

Bakery-style texture meets homemade comfort in every single bite.

Elevate your breakfast routine with this irresistible morning treat that celebrates both chocolate and coffee.

Why Double Chocolate Espresso Muffins Are a Morning Power Move

• Boost Energy with Espresso Punch: These muffins deliver a powerful caffeine kick from the espresso, perfect for morning jumpstarts or afternoon pick-me-ups, giving you a delicious way to energize.
• Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Layers: Double chocolate means intense cocoa flavor with chocolate chips inside and melted on top, creating a rich, luxurious texture that chocolate lovers will absolutely adore.
• Master Bakery-Style Technique: The unique two-temperature baking method ensures a gorgeous bakery-style muffin with a crispy exterior and incredibly moist, tender interior, making you feel like a professional pastry chef right in your own kitchen.
• Quick and Foolproof Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal mixing required, these muffins are beginner-friendly and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for spontaneous baking moments or unexpected guest surprises.

Ingredients for a Rich, Bold Muffin with Real Espresso

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the muffins, choose unbleached flour for best results.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives rich chocolate flavor, Dutch-processed cocoa works best for deep color.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help muffins rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Espresso, Vanilla: Adds deep coffee flavor and aromatic complexity to the chocolate base.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with muffin browning.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds moisture and structure.
• Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and adds subtle tanginess.

• Chocolate Chips, Butter: Chocolate chips bring rich melty pockets, while butter adds richness and smooth flavor. Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for best taste.

How to Bake Muffins That Are Moist, Fudgy, and Packed with Chocolate

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Supplies

Warm the oven to 425°F. Line muffin tins with paper liners, allowing space between each cup.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk ingredients together until thoroughly mixed.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredient Mixture

• Cooled espresso
• Vanilla extract
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Buttermilk

Stir until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporate Melted Butter

Slowly stream cooled melted butter into wet ingredients, whisking continuously to create a uniform mixture.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix until just combined, allowing small flour streaks to remain.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold chocolate chips into batter. Reserve a few chips for topping later.

Step 7: Fill Muffin Cups

Use an ice cream scoop to distribute batter evenly. Fill each cup to the top.

Step 8: Bake Muffins

Start baking at 425°F for 5 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F and continue baking 10-12 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.

Step 9: Create Melted Chocolate Topping

Immediately after removing from oven, sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top of warm muffins.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow muffins to cool 5-10 minutes in the pan. Transfer to a wire rack. Optional: Dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.

Tips for Balancing Espresso Intensity with Sweetness

• Boost Espresso Flavor: Use freshly brewed espresso at room temperature for a more intense coffee taste that deeply penetrates the muffins.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently and quickly, stopping as soon as dry ingredients are barely incorporated to ensure tender, light muffins with soft crumb.
• Create Perfect Dome: Start baking at high temperature and then reduce heat to help muffins rise beautifully and develop a gorgeous bakery-style top.
• Maximize Chocolate Impact: Reserve some chocolate chips to sprinkle on top right after baking, allowing them to melt slightly for an extra decadent finish.
• Storage Secret: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze up to 2 weeks for long-lasting chocolate-espresso goodness.

How to Store and Reheat Muffins Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate: Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Freeze: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside.

Great Sips and Sides for a Muffin Breakfast or Snack

• Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair these rich double chocolate espresso muffins with a smooth, medium-roast Colombian coffee. The mellow, slightly nutty coffee notes will complement the intense chocolate and espresso flavors without overwhelming the muffin's delicate texture.
• Create a Decadent Dessert Plate: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The creamy, cool accompaniment will balance the warm, deep chocolate tones and provide a luxurious contrast in temperature and texture.
• Elevate with a Sweet Liqueur Drizzle: Enhance the muffins with a light drizzle of Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlúa. These coffee-based liqueurs will intensify the espresso notes and add a sophisticated adult twist to the muffins, making them perfect for an after-dinner treat.
• Morning Breakfast Sidekick: Pair with a fresh fruit smoothie or a citrusy orange juice to cut through the rich chocolate and provide a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the muffin's deep, intense flavors.

Swaps for Chocolate, Nuts, or Spices You’ll Love

• Mocha Marble Magic: Swirl white chocolate into the batter for a marbled effect, creating beautiful visual and flavor layers with contrasting chocolate tones.
• Nutty Espresso Crunch: Fold chopped hazelnuts or almonds into the batter and sprinkle extra nuts on top for a delightful textural contrast and rich, roasted flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Kick: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the cooled muffins, adding a sweet and salty dimension that complements the deep espresso notes.
• Raspberry Chocolate Fusion: Mix in fresh or frozen raspberries to the batter, which will provide a tart burst that balances the rich chocolate and espresso flavors.

Double Chocolate Espresso Muffins Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent double chocolate espresso muffins deliver rich, intense flavors that dance between deep cocoa and bold coffee notes. Chocolate lovers will find pure bliss in these moist, decadent treats that promise a luxurious morning or afternoon escape.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons freshly brewed espresso
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) low-fat buttermilk
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (130 grams) semisweet or dark chocolate chips
• Confectioner’s sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to a high temperature of 425°F, ensuring precise warmth for optimal muffin rising.
2. Arrange paper liners in muffin tins, distributing them to allow even air circulation and consistent baking.
3. Combine all dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking cocoa powder, flour, leavening agents, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
4. In a separate vessel, blend liquid ingredients including espresso, vanilla, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk, creating a smooth, harmonious mixture.
5. Gradually incorporate melted butter into the liquid ingredients, whisking continuously to prevent separation.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using minimal strokes to maintain a tender muffin texture. Stop mixing when just combined, allowing some flour streaks to remain.
7. Delicately fold chocolate chips into the batter, reserving a small portion for topping.
8. Distribute batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each to the brim for maximum volume.
9. Initiate baking at the high temperature, then immediately reduce heat to create a dramatic rise and tender crumb.
10. After 15-17 minutes, verify doneness by inserting a toothpick which should emerge clean.
11. Immediately garnish muffins with reserved chocolate chips, allowing residual heat to melt them naturally.
12. Let muffins rest briefly in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
13. Optional: Dust with confectioner’s sugar for an elegant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Elevate your morning with these decadent double chocolate espresso muffins that pack a rich, caffeinated punch perfect for breakfast or a midday treat.
• Achieve bakery-quality texture by following the crucial two-temperature baking method, which ensures a crisp exterior and incredibly moist interior.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder and freshly brewed espresso to maximize the deep, intense chocolate and coffee flavors in these indulgent muffins.
• Handle the batter gently and minimize mixing to prevent tough, dense muffins – subtle streaks of flour are your secret to tender, light results.
• Melt reserved chocolate chips on top of warm muffins for a glossy, professional finish that adds an extra layer of chocolatey decadence.
• Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation without compromising taste or texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg