These Raspberry Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a sweet treat. You’ll find them a satisfying and healthier option for your breakfast or snack rotation, packed with flavor and whole grains.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Instant oats can make them gummy.
- Fresh Raspberries: Frozen raspberries work too; just don’t thaw them first.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips distribute better, but regular ones are fine. You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey are great natural options. Granulated sugar works if that’s what you have.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk will work.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup fresh raspberries
- ½ 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 200-220 calories
- Tools Needed: Muffin tin, paper liners or non-stick spray, two mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well with non-stick spray. This step ensures your healthy chocolate chip muffins won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined for even baking.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, lightly beat the egg. Then, stir in the milk, melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil), and vanilla extract. Mix until these wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins.
5. Fold in Raspberries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the fresh raspberries and chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. This ensures every bite of your healthy chocolate chip muffins has a burst of flavor.
6. Fill Muffin Cups and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Cool Your Muffins
Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Variation Ideas:
- Other Berries: Try blueberries or chopped strawberries instead of raspberries.
- Nuts: Add a quarter cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm flavor.
- Zest: Include a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a brighter taste.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Raspberry Chocolate Chip Oatmeal 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 overnight in the refrigerator or microwave briefly until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use instant oats for these healthy chocolate chip muffins?
No, instant oats are too finely processed and will give the muffins a gummy texture. Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results.
My muffins are dry; what went wrong?
You likely overmixed the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, making muffins tough and dry. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
How do I prevent the raspberries from sinking to the bottom?
Lightly toss your raspberries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This creates a barrier and helps them stay suspended.
Are these muffins suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! These healthy chocolate chip muffins are perfect for meal prepping. Bake a batch and have a quick, satisfying breakfast or snack ready for the week.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the brown sugar by about a quarter cup if you prefer a less sweet muffin. The raspberries and chocolate chips will still provide plenty of flavor.