Hot Cocoa Muffins Recipe for Cozy, Delicious Treats

There’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy feeling of enjoying a freshly baked muffin on a chilly day, and when that muffin is infused with the rich, comforting flavor of hot cocoa, it becomes an irresistible treat.

Hot cocoa muffins are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a sweet dessert. They combine the best of two worlds: the soft, fluffy texture of classic muffins and the deep, chocolatey goodness of hot cocoa.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and yields moist, tender muffins that taste like a cup of your favorite hot chocolate in every bite.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a detailed recipe for hot cocoa muffins that will quickly become a favorite in your bakery repertoire. We’ll cover everything from why these muffins are so special, to the ingredients and equipment you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and even some tips and variations to customize them to your liking.

Let’s dive right in and bake some magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot cocoa muffins are a delightful twist on traditional chocolate muffins, featuring the nostalgic flavors of hot cocoa mix that add a unique depth of taste. The use of hot cocoa powder instead of just cocoa powder provides a sweeter, creamier chocolate flavor that evokes memories of sipping hot chocolate by the fire.

These muffins are incredibly moist due to the addition of sour cream or yogurt, which keeps them tender and fluffy. Plus, the recipe is simple and uses everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or guests, these muffins bring warmth and comfort with every bite.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s versatile!

You can easily add chocolate chips, marshmallows, or nuts to customize your muffins to your favorite hot cocoa toppings. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a sweet addition to your holiday brunch table.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup hot cocoa mix (powdered)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• Mini marshmallows for topping (optional)

Equipment

• Muffin tin (12-cup size)
• Muffin liners or non-stick spray
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, hot cocoa mix, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. This dry mix forms the base of your muffins.
3. In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg lightly. Then add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Whisk until the wet ingredients are fully combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
5. If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips gently into the batter. This adds bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full. If you like, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top of each muffin for a fun, gooey topping after baking.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The marshmallows on top should be slightly toasted and puffy.
8. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy warm or at room temperature. These muffins are best eaten within 2 days but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“For extra fudgy muffins, substitute half of the vegetable oil with melted butter and increase the chocolate chips.”

• Use different hot cocoa mixes: Try flavored hot cocoa powders like peppermint or salted caramel for a festive twist.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch to the muffins.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Marshmallow topping: For a campfire-inspired treat, add a marshmallow or two to the top of each muffin halfway through baking.
• Chocolate glaze: Drizzle a simple chocolate ganache over cooled muffins for an extra indulgent touch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Hot cocoa muffins are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments elevates the experience. Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey to enhance the chocolate flavors.

For a truly indulgent treat, pair these muffins with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or of course, a warm mug of hot cocoa. These muffins also make a charming addition to a brunch spread alongside fruit salad and scrambled eggs.

Try topping the muffins with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist. For kids’ parties or holiday gatherings, place a jar of marshmallow fluff and some chocolate shavings nearby for guests to customize their muffins.

Conclusion

These hot cocoa muffins capture the essence of cozy comfort food with every bite. Their moist texture, rich chocolate flavor, and easy preparation make them an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re baking to warm up a chilly morning or creating a sweet snack to brighten your day, this recipe delivers beautifully every time.

With simple ingredients and helpful tips, you can easily customize these muffins to suit your taste or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings and mix-ins to make them your own.

I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a little extra sweetness and warmth into your kitchen. Happy baking!

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out our Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies for a timeless treat, indulge in the rich flavor of our Double Chocolate Brownies, or start your morning right with our Banana Walnut Muffins.

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