Ieva's Chocolate Muffins with Hazelnuts

Indulge in these decadent chocolate muffins that combine the rich flavors of chocolate, hazelnuts, and a hint of cinnamon, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. These muffins are made with a blend of wheat and oat flour, providing a unique texture and taste. The addition of sour cream ensures they remain moist and tender. Adding apple brings a refreshing twist, while the chocolate chunks provide a gooey richness in every bite. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these muffins are versatile and sure to impress. The aromatic cinnamon and vanilla will fill your kitchen with comforting scents as they bake to perfection. Topped with a crunchy hazelnut and chocolate topping, they become an irresistible snack. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, the straightforward steps will guide you to delicious results. Enjoy these muffins with a cup of coffee or tea for an ultimate treat.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

50 g wheat flour
50 g oat flour
150 g sour cream
1 egg
70 g brown sugar
50 g butter

Spices and Flavorings:

1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. vanilla sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

Additions:

70 g chocolate
1 small apple
50 g hazelnuts
1 tbsp. honey

Preparation Time

Total: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F). This ensures the muffins will bake evenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine both types of flour, baking powder, brown sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon. Stir these dry ingredients together until well combined.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg until smooth. Slowly add in the sour cream and melted butter, stirring well to mix.
Peel and Chop the Apple: Peel the apple, remove the core, and chop it into small cubes. This adds a sweet and juicy element to the muffins.
Chop the Chocolate: Take 50 g of chocolate and chop it into small pieces. This will create delightful, melty pockets of chocolate in the muffins.
Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, adding the apple and chocolate chunks. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and airy.
Prepare Muffin Tins: Grease the muffin tins or line them with paper cups. Fill each cup with batter, leaving a little room for them to rise.
Bake: Place the filled muffin tins into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Mix Topping: While the muffins are baking, roughly chop the hazelnuts and remaining chocolate. Mix these with the honey to create a sticky, nutty topping.
Top and Finish Baking: Once the muffins have been baking for 20 minutes, remove them from the oven and place small mounts of the nut mixture on top of each muffin.
Final Bake: Return the muffins to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until the topping is caramelized and crunchy.
Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving. This ensures they maintain their structure and flavors meld together perfectly.

Tips

Substitutions: If oat flour is unavailable, replace it with all-purpose flour for a similar texture.
Experiment with Flavors: Try using white chocolate or dark chocolate for different flavor profiles.
Storage: Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer freshness.

Nutritions

Calories: 250 per muffin
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use 100 g of gluten-free flour mix instead of wheat and oat flours.
Vegan Alternative: Substitute egg with a flaxseed egg and butter with coconut oil for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions

Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with freshly brewed coffee or a cup of herbal tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
Garnish Options: A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache can enhance presentation and flavor.

Best Places

Pierre Hermé Patisserie - Renowned for its exquisite pastries and innovative flavors. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
Magnolia Bakery - Famous for classic American desserts, including muffins and cupcakes. Location: 401 Bleecker Street, New York, USA.
Hummingbird Bakery - Known for its traditional American baked goods. Location: 133 Portobello Road, London, UK.
La Pâtisserie des Rêves - Offers elegant and modern interpretations of classics. Location: 93 Rue du Bac, Paris, France.
El Pan de la Chola Bakery - Offers a cozy atmosphere and a wide range of baked goods. Location: Av. La Mar 918, Miraflores, Lima, Peru.
Balthazar Bakery - Offers artisanal bread and pastries with a classic French style. Location: 80 Spring Street, New York, USA.
Sweet Lady Jane - A beloved bakery known for fresh, high-quality ingredients. Location: 8360 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, USA.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe - Combines Mediterranean-inspired flavors with classic American baking. Location: 70 Charles Street South, Boston, USA.
Flour Bakery + Cafe - Offers a wide range of baked goods in a welcoming setting. Location: 12 Farnsworth Street, Boston, USA.
Ottolenghi - Known for vibrant and flavorful dishes and baked goods. Location: 287 Upper Street, London, UK.