I love coffee. The rich aroma, the bold flavor, and the warm feeling it gives me in the morning is simply unbeatable. As a coffee lover, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to incorporate my favorite beverage into different recipes. One of my absolute favorites is coffee muffins. These delectable treats are perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even dessert. In this article, I will share with you my tried and tested recipe for coffee muffins that is sure to satisfy any coffee lover’s cravings.
Gather Your Ingredients
What you’ll need:
– 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee (cooled)
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (melted)
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
Prepare the Muffin Batter
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your muffins bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cooled coffee, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs until well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense and tough muffins.
Baking the Muffins
Step 1: Fill the Muffin Cups
Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with butter or cooking spray. Fill each cup about three-quarters full with the muffin batter. This will give your muffins room to rise and create that perfect dome shape.
Step 2: Add Toppings (Optional)
For an extra touch of flavor and texture, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon sugar on top of each muffin before baking. This step is completely optional but highly recommended for coffee lovers looking for some added indulgence.
Step 3: Bake the Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
After removing the muffins from the oven, let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these coffee-infused treats are ready to be enjoyed.
Get Creative with Variations
While this basic coffee muffin recipe is delightful on its own, you can always get creative and add some extra flavors to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
Mocha Muffins
To amp up the chocolatey flavor, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and replace 1/4 cup of the coffee with more milk.
Caramel Coffee Muffins
Drizzle some caramel sauce on top of each muffin before baking, or stir in some caramel bits into the batter for an indulgent and gooey twist.
Coconut Coffee Muffins
Add a tropical twist by mixing in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the batter.
Conclusion
Coffee muffins are a delightful treat for coffee lovers like myself. With their rich flavor and moist texture, they are a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee in the morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. This simple recipe allows you to satisfy your coffee cravings in a new and delicious way. So why not give it a try and experience the joy of homemade coffee-infused goodness?