Craving a delicious and healthy treat? These Cinnamon Applesauce Chocolate Chip Muffins are a perfect snack or breakfast, offering a delightful twist on classic healthy chocolate chip muffin recipes. You’ll love how easy and satisfying they are to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Applesauce: Unsweetened is best. You can use homemade or store-bought.
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier option. All-purpose flour works too, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener. Honey or agave nectar are good alternatives.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips distribute best. Dark chocolate chips add a richer flavor.
- Cinnamon: Don’t skip it! It complements the applesauce beautifully.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or less, to taste)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories (depending on ingredients)
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, paper liners, two mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup. This ensures your healthy chocolate chip muffins won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, applesauce, milk, maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. This liquid mixture will bring your muffins together.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. These healthy chocolate chip muffins get their delicious bursts of sweetness from this step.
6. Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. You can use an ice cream scoop for easy portioning. Fill each cup about two-thirds full.
7. Bake Your Muffins
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, flavorful Cinnamon Applesauce Chocolate Chip Muffins!
Variation Ideas
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans with the chocolate chips.
- Extra Fruit: Fold in ½ cup of finely diced apple for more apple flavor and texture.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze once cooled.
Storage Instructions
Store your cooled Cinnamon Applesauce Chocolate Chip Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make these muffins gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the whole wheat flour.
- What if I don’t have applesauce? You can use mashed banana or pumpkin puree as a substitute, though the flavor will change.
- Can I reduce the sugar? Absolutely! You can decrease the granulated sugar or omit it entirely if your applesauce is sweetened.
- Why are my muffins tough? Overmixing the batter develops the gluten too much, leading to a tough texture. Mix until just combined.
- Can I add other spices? Yes, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon.
- Are these suitable for meal prep? Yes, these healthy chocolate chip muffins are excellent for meal prep and a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack.