Orange and Chocolate Muffins

Orange and chocolate muffins are an exquisite combination of flavors that evoke traditional Italian desserts with the delicious addition of chocolate, somewhat like combining hot chocolate with the aroma of candied orange. Here is the recipe for you.

Ingredients

• 250 g of all-purpose flour
• 150 g of granulated sugar
• 100 g of melted butter
• 150 ml of fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges depending on size)
• Grated zest of 1 orange
• 2 eggs
• 100 g of dark chocolate chips
• 100 ml of milk
• 1 sachet of baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. In a bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and add a pinch of salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until frothy.
4. Mix the melted butter into the egg and sugar mixture.
5. Add the orange juice and zest and mix well.
6. Add the milk and, stirring constantly, gradually add the sifted flour and baking powder.
7. Finally, gently fold in the chocolate chips, mixing gently to distribute them evenly.
8. Fill each muffin cup to about 3/4 of its height with the batter.
9. Bake the muffins for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
10. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool before serving.

Curiosity The combination of orange and chocolate is highly appreciated in Italian confectionery, so much so that it is commonly used in ice creams and pralines as well. This pairing is often found in the culinary traditions of other countries, especially in Christmas sweets.

Serve these delicious orange and chocolate muffins for breakfast, as a snack, or as dessert after dinner. If you like, you can accompany the muffins with a dusting of icing sugar or with an orange sauce to make them even more special. Happy baking and enjoy your meal!