Triple chocolate muffins are muffins which contain three types of chocolate flavoring. Usually cocoa powder and two kinds of chocolate chips or chocolate pieces are used. Triple chocolate muffins are usually considered a decadent indulgence for chocolate lovers.
Most versions of triple chocolate muffins include unsweetened cocoa powder as one of the chocolate elements. Dutch-process cocoa powder is often recommended, but natural can be used instead. In addition to the cocoa, chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars are often included. Bittersweet, semi-sweet, dark, white, or milk chocolate can all be used, but two different types of chocolate are normally chosen. Some version may use chocolate covered candy, such as chocolate covered caramels, to add a twist to the treats.
Flour, baking powder, and eggs are also necessary to create triple chocolate muffins. Normally brown sugar is also included, but some recipes use white instead. Butter, milk, and often vanilla extract are also added. Some versions may add sour cream instead of milk.
To make triple chocolate muffins, the flour, baking powder, sugar, and cocoa are stirred or whisked together. The eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla extract are mixed separately before being combined with the dry mixture. When the wet and dry are mixed, they are only stirred until the dry ingredients become moist. Otherwise, the batter can be easily overmixed and create dense muffins.
The chocolate chips or pieces may be mixed in with the dry ingredients or folded into the batter last. Folding allows the chocolate to be mixed in without overmixing the batter. Certain versions may even leave one of the chocolate choices out of the batter to create chocolaty centers or toppings for the muffins.
Once complete, the batter is poured into greased or lined muffin forms. Forms will usually be about two-thirds full to allow for rising. If small chocolate covered candies are used, the batter may only fill half of each cup. One candy can be placed in the center of each uncooked muffin, and then more batter can be poured over the top of the candies. Triple chocolate muffins usually cook for about 20 minutes.
After the muffins are cooked, they should be allowed to cool briefly in the pan before being handled. Chopped chocolate pieces can be placed on the top of each muffin immediately after they are taken out of the oven. The heat will melt the chocolate as the muffins cool and create a gooey chocolaty topping.
