Holiday Cherry Chocolate Muffins

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are in search of the perfect sweet treats to share with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a cozy holiday brunch, looking for a festive breakfast option, or simply want to enjoy a warm, homemade muffin with your coffee, these Holiday Cherry Chocolate Muffins are a delicious choice.

Packed with juicy dark cherries and rich chocolate chips, these muffins are the perfect combination of sweet and tart, soft and decadent. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in the kitchen. Here’s how you can whip up these delightful muffins in no time!

Ingredients You Will Need

• Sugar
• Shortening
• Egg
• Cake Flour
• Baking Powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Frozen Dark Sweet Cherries (thawed and roughly chopped)
• Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the batter.

2. Mix the Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening (or butter) and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and beat until combined.
• Slowly mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Pour in the milk, stirring gently until the ingredients are well incorporated.

3. Add the Stars of the Show:

• Gently fold in the chopped, thawed cherries. The cherries will add natural sweetness and moisture to the muffins.
• Mix in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

4. Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps create a fluffier texture when baking.

5. Prepare the Muffin Pan: While the batter rests, line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.

6. Bake:

• Evenly divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure to check at the 15-minute mark as oven temperatures can vary.

7. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for a comforting holiday treat.

Recipe Notes and Variations

Chocolate Chip Swaps: You can easily switch out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate, depending on your preference.

Cake Flour Alternative: If you don’t have cake flour, create your own by substituting 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.

Toppings: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle the tops with powdered sugar after the muffins have cooled, or add a cinnamon-sugar topping before baking for a little extra sweetness and texture.

Storage:

These muffins can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. They’re also freezer-friendly! Just wrap them individually and freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

More Recipes You Will Love

• Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Cranberry Almond Muffins
• Chocolate Chunk Coffee Cake Muffins
• Mini Pumpkin Cruffins

So, the next time you’re in the mood to bake something special, give these Holiday Cherry Chocolate Muffins a try. With their festive flavors and simple preparation, they’ll become a seasonal favorite in no time.

Happy baking and happy holidays! 🎄