Craving a sweet and comforting treat that’s also good for you? These Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are a delicious twist on healthy chocolate chip muffin recipes, perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon snack. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how much flavor they pack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Sweet potato puree works too.
- Whole Wheat Flour: You can use all-purpose flour, but whole wheat adds a nice wholesome touch. A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can also be used.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar are good alternatives.
- Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate chips for a less sweet option, or dairy-free chips if needed.
Ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree
- ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- ¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup
- ¼ cup (60ml) coconut oil, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) whole wheat flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins:
- ¾ cup (130g) chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 18-22 minutes
- Total time: 28-32 minutes
- Servings: 12 muffins
- Calories per serving: 210 calories
- Tools needed: Muffin tin, paper liners, two mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. This ensures your healthy chocolate chip muffins won’t stick.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, almond milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to distribute the spices and leavening agents.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Gently fold until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Add the chocolate chips to the batter. Fold them in gently until they are evenly distributed throughout. This step ensures every bite of your healthy chocolate chip muffins is extra delicious.
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 the Muffins
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
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. These Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are best enjoyed warm!
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter with the chocolate chips.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, dollop a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese mixture on top of each muffin and swirl it with a knife.
- Glaze It: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or orange juice.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a toaster oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, you can. Just make sure it’s cooked and pureed to a smooth consistency, and drain any excess liquid.
What if you don’t have all the individual spices?
You can use 1 ½ teaspoons of pre-made pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Can you make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Ensure you use a dairy-free milk alternative and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Can you freeze these muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat.
Why are your muffins dry?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking can lead to dry muffins. Always mix until just combined and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Are these muffins suitable for breakfast?
Yes, their wholesome ingredients make them a perfect and healthy choice for a quick breakfast or a grab-and-go snack.