Chocolate Chip Muffins

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (optional, for added moisture)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or 1/4 cup melted butter + 1/4 cup vegetable oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream (or yogurt), melted butter (and oil, if using), eggs, and vanilla extract.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

8. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes:

• For extra richness, you can use a combination of milk and dark chocolate chips.
• Sprinkling a little coarse sugar on top of the muffins before baking adds a nice crunch.
• To keep the muffins moist, avoid overbaking. Check for doneness around the 18-minute mark.