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Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins


 

Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins: A Bold Breakfast Treat

Start your morning energized with these Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins — a delicious fusion of rich coffee flavor and sweet chocolate chips baked into a soft, fluffy muffin. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a slow weekend breakfast, these muffins deliver a satisfying burst of flavor and caffeine in every bite. They’re quick to prepare, made from simple ingredients you likely have on hand, and perfect for pairing with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

Close-up of espresso chocolate chip muffins on a wooden board

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make in just 35 minutes
  • Bold espresso flavor without bitterness
  • Moist and tender crumb, bakery-quality
  • Freezer-friendly for convenient breakfasts

Ingredients and Preparation Tips

This recipe combines classic muffin ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and buttermilk with espresso powder for a pronounced coffee flavor. Using fresh espresso powder ensures that bold coffee aroma without the liquid coffee’s bitterness. I recommend using mini chocolate chips—they melt perfectly and distribute evenly through the batter.

Step-by-Step Muffin Making

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon.
  3. Beat eggs with sugars until creamy, then stir in buttermilk, oil, espresso powder, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gently fold wet into dry ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing for a tender crumb.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips carefully.
  6. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool muffins briefly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped muffins for up to 2 months. Warm briefly in the microwave or toaster oven before serving. These muffins are delicious on their own or paired with spreads like honey butter or cream cheese.

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FAQ

Can I substitute brewed coffee for espresso powder?
Yes! Use 2 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee and reduce buttermilk slightly to maintain batter consistency.

Can I omit cinnamon?
Absolutely! It adds warmth but is optional if you prefer a more straightforward chocolate-coffee flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum to keep the texture close to the original.

Final Thoughts

Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins make mornings better by combining two beloved flavors into one perfect bite. Whether you’re making a batch for a brunch party or a quick weekday treat, these muffins won’t disappoint. Try them alongside your morning brew or pack them for a delightful afternoon snack.

Have you tried this recipe? Drop a comment below or tag @mommysmemorandum on Instagram — I love seeing your delicious creations!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rated 4.8 by Over 130 Coffee & Muffin Lovers!

close up of espresso chocolate chip muffins (1)

Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Explore the perfect blend of coffee and chocolate in Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins. Bake your caffeine-infused delight today!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (115g) butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (130g) chocolate chips

Instructions

    Step 1 - Preheat the Oven

    1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Step 2 - Grease the Muffin Tin

    1. Grease the cups of a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line them with paper muffin liners for easy cleanup.

    Step 3 - Sift the Dry Ingredients

    1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, instant espresso powder, cinnamon, and salt. This helps ensure a smooth and lump-free batter.

    Step 4 - Create a Well

    1. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture. This is where you'll combine the wet ingredients.

    Step 5 - Prepare the Wet Ingredients

    1. In another bowl, add the egg, milk, and melted butter. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the ingredients together until well combined.

    Step 6 - Add Vanilla

    1. Stir in the vanilla extract into the wet mixture, infusing it with a delightful aroma.

    Step 7 - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

    1. Pour the egg mixture and chocolate chips into the well you created in the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

    Step 8 - Fill the Muffin Cups

    1. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. This allows room for the muffins to rise while baking.

    Step 9 - Bake to Perfection

    1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

    Step 10 - Serve and Enjoy

    1. Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve these indulgent Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins as a delightful breakfast treat or as an anytime snack.

    Notes

    • For an extra espresso kick, you can dissolve the espresso powder in a tablespoon of hot water before adding it to the wet ingredients.
    • Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to customize the muffins to your liking.
    • To keep the muffins moist, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 93Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 205mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 3g

    The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

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    About Julee Morrison

    Julee Morrison is an author and writer with over 35 years of experience in parenting and family recipes. She’s the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook.

    Her work has appeared in The LA Times, Disney’s Family Fun Magazine, Bon Appétit, Weight Watchers Magazine, All You, Scholastic Parent & Child, and more.

    Her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" appeared on AP News, and her parenting piece “The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit” was featured on PopSugar.

    Outside of writing, Julee enjoys baking, reading, collecting crystals, and spending time with her family. You can find more of her work at Mommy’s Memorandum.

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