20-Min Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins

The other week I bought a dozen of mini chocolate chip muffins to pack for school snack time for my kids. They lasted maybe a day.

My kids were so into them. I, too, was very into them.

So in an effort to have a more cost-effective way to have our new favorite treat, I decided to make my own version!

These Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins are

Soft and Fluffy. These mini muffins are incredibly soft and fluffy, making them a delight to bite into. Each bite is a light and tender texture, providing a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.

Adorable! Not only are these mini muffins delicious, but they are also absolutely adorable. Their small size adds an element of cuteness, making them perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or simply as a delightful treat for children and adults alike.

Gluten-Free. These mini muffins are crafted with a gluten-free twist, allowing individuals with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions to enjoy their scrumptiousness without worry. We’re using almond flour to make sure these muffins are safe and suitable for those who follow a gluten-free lifestyle.

Dairy-Free. In addition to being gluten-free, these mini muffins are also dairy-free, making them great for individuals who avoid dairy products. Instead of traditional butter or milk, these muffins uses cashew butter that not only contributes to their soft and moist texture but keeps them dairy-free.

Made in One Bowl. Convenience meets deliciousness with these mini muffins, as they can be whipped up in just one bowl. Less time spent on cleanup means more time enjoying your homemade treats. The simplicity of the recipe ensures that anyone, regardless of their baking experience, can easily create these delectable muffins without a hassle.

Wholesome Ingredients! These mini muffins are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nutritious option. They are made with wholesome ingredients, such as natural sweeteners and almond flour. By incorporating these nutritious elements, the mini muffins allow you to savor every bite while nourishing your body.

Ingredients for Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins:

Cashew Butter.

Cashew butter is a great ingredient to use in mini muffins because it adds a creamy and nutty flavor to the batter. It also contributes to the soft and moist texture of the muffins, ensuring they stay tender and delicious. Cashew butter is a healthy alternative to traditional butter, as it is rich in heart-healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.

Agave Nectar.

Agave nectar is a natural sweetener is a popular choice for those looking to reduce their consumption of refined sugars. It adds sweetness to the mini muffins without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. If you prefer, you can sub in honey or maple syrup.

Eggs.

Just two! Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together and giving structure to the muffins. They also contribute to the fluffy texture and moistness of the final product.

Vanilla.

Just a splash. Vanilla extract is a versatile ingredient that adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the mini muffins. It enhances the overall taste of the batter, creating a more balanced and enjoyable muffin.

Almond Flour.

I love using super-fine blanched almond flour because it has a great pastry color and you get that added protein in these muffins from the nuts. Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture to the mini muffins, contributing to their overall taste and structure.

Baking Powder.

Gives it that fluff! Baking powder is a leavening agent that creates air pockets in the batter, resulting in a light and tender texture. Baking powder also contributes to the overall volume and structure of the muffins, ensuring they are not dense or heavy.

Salt.

Salt is a vital ingredient in baking as it enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. It helps to balance the sweetness of the muffins and brings out their natural taste. Additionally, salt also plays a role in strengthening the structure of the muffins and regulating the fermentation process.

Mini Chocolate Chips.

The star of the show! Mini chocolate chips are a delightful addition to mini muffins, providing bursts of sweetness and bursts of chocolate flavor in every bite. They add a touch of indulgence and make the muffins even more indulgent. The mini size ensures that the chocolate chips are distributed evenly throughout the muffins, creating a pleasant texture contrast.

How to Make Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins:

The only thing better than how good these recipes taste is how easy they are to make!

Mix together the cashew butter, agave nectar, eggs and vanilla. Once smooth, add the almond flour, baking powder, and salt.

Once the ingredients are incorporated, fold in most of the mini chocolate chips, reserving some to sprinkle on the tops of the muffins.

I suggest using a light colored mini muffin tin. Spray the muffin pan with your favorite cooking spray or use parchment paper liners. Use a cookie scooper to scoop the batter into the pan.

Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with the rest of the mini chocolate chips and bake for 13 minutes until the tops are golden brown and spring back when you touch them.

If you are using muffin liners, you can transfer the muffins to a cooling rack. If you used cooking spray and no liners, allow to cool for 5 – 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Variations to Try

Swap the nut butter. Instead of cashew butter, try peanut butter or almond butter. This will give the mini muffins a new flavor profile.

Double Chocolate. Increase the chocolate flavor by adding cocoa powder to the batter along with the chocolate chips. This will give you rich, chocolatey mini muffins that are perfect for chocolate lovers.

Nutty Delight. Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter along with the chocolate chips. The combination of nuts and chocolate creates a wonderful texture and flavor contrast in each bite.

Espresso Infusion. Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter to give your mini muffins a subtle coffee flavor that complements the chocolate chips. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy the combination of coffee and chocolate.

Peanut Butter Swirl. Create a peanut butter and chocolate combination by swirling some peanut butter into the batter. Drop dollops of peanut butter onto the batter and use a toothpick or a skewer to create a swirl pattern before baking.

Caramel Surprise. Create a gooey surprise by placing a small piece of caramel in the center of each mini muffin before baking. As the muffins bake, the caramel will melt, creating a deliciously sweet and gooey filling.

How to Store these Mini Muffins:

The muffins can stay our at room temperature for 3 days in an air tight container. They can also be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for 7 days.

Freeze the muffins up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or oven to desired temperature.

More Muffin Recipes to Try:

• Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins
• French Toast Muffins
• Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
• Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins