Chocolate Chip Muffins
Packed with chocolate chips and topped with a brown sugar streusel, these Chocolate Chip Muffins are a delicious treat for any time of the day!
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As I was folding the chocolate chips into the batter for these Chocolate Chip Muffins, I got to thinking. Where exactly did chocolate chips come from? Think how many delicious desserts would simply fail to exist without the wonderful chocolate chip. It’s a lot! I had to google the chocolate chip quandary to learn the exact origins…and sure enough, it’s murky.
According to legend, chocolate chips were invented by Ruth Wakefield in 1937. Ruth was a skilled chef and baker who ran the kitchen at the Toll House Inn about an hour south of Boston. Supposedly she ran out of an ingredient for her famous butterscotch drop cookies, and so she added a chopped up chocolate bar instead. And the chocolate bar she used? It was given to her by Andrew Nestle. Yes, of Nestle fame. Hmmm. That sounds quite convenient, huh? And in case the Toll House Inn sounds familiar, it’s because the recipe for Nestle Toll House Cookies is printed on the back of every bag. Andrew Nestle supposedly bought the rights for Ruth’s recipe in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate.
There ya have it. The story of chocolate chips all tied up in a nice little package. Maybe it’s my skeptical nature, but this story just sounds too good to be true. Why would Ruth Wakefield add chocolate to her butterscotch cookies? Did she really run out of ingredients? Possibly. But there’s no real proof.
In fact, I just spent the last 15 minutes googling Andrew Nestle. I can’t find any reference to him other than articles about how he helped invent the chocolate chip cookie. The founder of Nestle was Henri Nestle, a Swiss businessman who sold both his name rights and company in 1875. So how does someone with the name Nestle show up in Massachusetts in the 1930’s? I guess Andrew could be a descendant of Henri, but I can’t find any authentic references to him.
Here’s the thing, though. Does it really matter where the chocolate chip came from? Not at all! It’s a delicious little creation, and I personally always keep at least 4 bags in the pantry. Hey, you never know when the craving for a good chocolate chip cookie (or a chocolate chip muffin) might hit ya!
Chocolate Chip Muffins
As I’ve noted in the past, I’m not a huge chocolate for breakfast kinda guy. I even shy away from mocha coffees first thing in the morning. Once the afternoon or evening hits, though? Pass me a mocha and a chocolate chip cookie! Laura is the opposite of me. She’ll gladly go for chocolate in the morning. So I made these Chocolate Chip Muffins with Laura in mind. Let me be clear. She didn’t get the entire batch. I got my fair share of these Chocolate Chip Muffins. I just chose to eat mine later in the day. (Robbie also helped out…and he preferred his later in the day, too. That means Laura got outvoted 2-1 in our house!)
I used my go-to muffin base for this batch of Chocolate Chip Muffins. I’ve said it before. I’ll say it again. That muffin base is the best I’ve ever tasted! The muffins are perfectly dense without feeling like a brick. And the streusel topping? That’s just a requirement.
Laura and I sat around the dinner table the other night talking about different flavor ideas for muffins. (For the record, we were splitting one of these Chocolate Chip Muffins for dessert.) I’m thinking a good cinnamon orange muffin might have to happen for the holidays. Or perhaps cranberry orange muffins? Or gingerbread muffins? With all of the ideas we had, we’ll be eating muffins for years. I’m ok with that. Happy baking!
Did you make a batch of these Chocolate Chip Muffins? Leave a comment. Or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog)!
Looking for more tasty recipes using chocolate chips? Check out these other favorites:
Kitchen Sink Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Mini Chocolate Chip Tartlet Pies
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Ingredients
For the Streusel
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
For the Muffins
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter softened
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1½ cups chocolate chips plus more for sprinkling on top
Instructions
For the Streusel
- Using a medium bowl, add sugars and melted butter; stir until well combined.
- Add the flour; stir until well combined. Set streusel aside.
For the Muffins
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Lightly spray a muffin tin with baking spray, or line muffin tin with paper liners.
- Using a medium mixing bowl, add flour and baking powder; stir until well combined. Set mixture aside.
- Using an electric mixer, cream together sugar, butter and salt until light and fluffy (~3-4 minutes on medium speed).
- Using a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, vanilla and oil. Pour liquid mixture into bowl of mixer in 2 additions, mixing well after each addition.
- Add flour mixture and mix on low until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared muffin tin. (See note.)
- Crumble the streusel mixture evenly on top of the muffins.
- Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top of the streusel.
- Bake for 36-38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.
Notes
OMG we are such long-lost siblings. I never took that story at face value either because I read somewhere that Ruth Wakefield was a dietician and that just brought up way too many questions for me. Did dietitians exist back then? Why would a dietician bake cookies for people–shouldn’t she be providing healthier options? Oh well, you’re right–it doesn’t matter where they came from because without chocolate chips my life loses about half of its meaning :). These muffins look awesome, David! Have a great week!
Ruth Wakefield was a dietitian, too? Yeah, right! Now I know that story is total BS. I was lost when a guy with the original Nestle sold his name rights, but then a guy with the last name of Nestle shows up in the picture. Too coincidental if you ask me! Either way, I’m 100% with ya on life without chocolate chips. I buy those things in like 10-pound bags! 🙂
Can’t beat this classic muffin favourite!
(And an interesting story about the chocolate chips… hmm!)
Only wish I had a muffin with my coffee right now 🙂
Oh, these muffins would be great with a cup of coffee, Alex! Of course, I’d need that cup of coffee + muffin in the afternoon since I’m not a chocolate-in-the-morning kinda guy. But it would make one heck of an awesome afternoon or after-dinner treat! Thanks so much, my friend!
I’d read that story about chocolate chip cookies somewhere before, too. And, you’re right, something doesn’t quite ring true with it. But it worked out well for the Nestle company, didn’t it? I loved the Friends episode about Nestle Toll House Cookies, too! That one was a classic for sure! Anyway, these muffins look and sound fantastic, David! Perfect for Breakfast, Snack, and dessert in my book!
Heh, yeah it sure did work out for Nestle! I mean the story might have started as an advertising campaign, but I’m ok with that. The classic Toll House Cookie is a good one! (Also, that Friends episode…I miss that show!!) These muffins are mighty tasty, and I sure could go for one right about now…or maybe this afternoon instead. Haha. Thanks, Laura!
I think you are right David, a great story but probably a bit to convenient to be true! I’m also not a big chocolate for breakfast guy, but my boys love a chocolate chip muffin. Love the streusel top!
Yeah, my BS meter was going bonkers when I read that story. Then when I tried to find any sort of reference to Andrew Nestle separate from the Toll House reference really took it over the top. I don’t think the man actually existed! But in the end, who really cares? The chocolate chip is an amazing invention, and I’ve gotta say these chocolate chip muffins make for a great dessert (or snack)! Thanks, Matt!
I had never heard the lore of how chocolate chips came to be, David! I always learn new things from you!
I’m almost afraid to make these muffins – especially with that streusel top (my kryptonite). They look almost TOO good!
Why thank you so much, Marissa! Here’s the thing, though – I think that story is total BS. I can’t find any reference to Andrew Nestle aside from the rumored connection with the Toll House Inn. It just seems strange to me! But what’s not strange? These delicious muffins with that streusel top. Holy cow are these things delicious! 🙂
I love that there’s a chocolate chip (or two or three!) in every bite! My kind of muffin. And awesome info about the history of chocolate chips. I didn’t know any of it. 🙂 ~Valentina
Well don’t go repeating any of that chocolate chip cookie story, Valentina! I’m pretty sure the whole thing is made up. I mean there are plenty of references to that story out there, but there are also a lot of unexplained holes in there, too. But in the end, who cares if the story is made up? Chocolate chips cookies are delicious…and these muffins rank right up there in my book, too! 🙂
I absolutely agree with you on this, David – this legend sounds too delightful to be true. Besides, Nestle is associated with the story..? How convenient! Well some scepticism doesn’t diminish the importance of chocolate chips. While many people use them for baking, most often I use it for snacking…:) But I will certainly not reject a delicious chocolate muffin, if you were to offer me 🙂
Right! It is way too convenient that Nestle is associated with this story. And the fact that I can’t find any legit references to Andrew Nestle aside from the Toll House Inn story is mighty suspicious. But I agree with you. It doesn’t diminish the importance of chocolate chips. These muffins are a great use of chocolate chips…if you don’t eat all of the chips before putting them in the muffins! Haha. 🙂
Lifetime supply of chocolate, you say?? Well, that’s pretty sweet (no pun intended, lol). I love a good muffin and it’s been forever since I’ve had a chocolate chip one. They’re yummy for breakfast because they’re ‘muffins’, but totally acceptable for dessert too 😉 Delish, my friend!
What would you do with a lifetime supply of chocolate chips? I can’t even imagine. That’s a lot of chocolate! And a lot of chocolate chip cookies. And probably a lot of chocolate chip muffins, too. 🙂 These muffins are technically ‘breakfast,’ but I’ll tell ya that they made for a great dessert as well! Thanks, Dawn!
I am with you, chocolate is a good thing for breakfast!! These chocolate chip muffins look perfect for breakfast!!
Thanks so much, Dawn! 🙂
I’m just glad chocolate chips are here today! I’m such a muffin gal and love making them. These chocolate chip muffins are so fun! I’ll have to decide – are they for breakfast or dessert??? Maybe a little of both! 🙂
I’m with ya, Kathy! Who cares what the real story is…we’ve got chocolate chips, and that’s good for me! I love muffins, too – any and all muffins. While I might save the chocolate version for later, I certainly recognize that these would be great with a cup of coffee in the morning! 🙂
David, do you have any idea how many tons of chocolate it would take for a lifetime supply of chocolate in this house and Chloe and I rarely eat it.
Now, that muffin looks fantastic for breakfast or an afternoon fika. Alas, we don’t find chocolate chips here, nope none. But, I can always take my knife to a fine bar of Swedish chocolate and wack away. Thant’s what I do for chocolate chip cookies.
Haha! I see what you did there, Ron. 🙂
No chocolate chips in Sweden? Really? I’m shocked! I recognize that some ingredients would be harder to find over there, but I thought chocolate chips were universal. Either way, a good knife and a chocolate bar would work well, too. Can’t go through life without chocolate chip cookies (and now chocolate chip muffins)!
Ha ha. I loved reading where chocolate chips might have come from. But as you say, who cares? I just want to get stuck into these delicious looking muffins right now! I’m a muffin in the morning kind of guy, one with my morning cuppa. Saying that I might have to sneak in an extra one in the afternoon too. That’s on a gym day of course! Ha ha!
Yeah, that story is mighty suspicious to me…but then again, it doesn’t really matter! We keep chocolate chips in constant supply here in the pantry. Right now, I’m loving adding those chocolate chips to these muffins! Thanks, Neil!
OMG I haven’t made choc chip muffins in a long time – have to add that to my holiday baking
I’ve always assumed that choc chips came from the Chocolate Fairy 🙂
Hope all is well and you aren’t snowed in yet
Wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to You, Laura, Robbie and your families
Mar
Hey Mar! Long time, no talk my friend. 🙂 I like your theory that chocolate chips come from the Chocolate Fairy. (If only there was a Chocolate Fairy, right??)
Oh, we’ve already gotten our first round of snow/ice. Way too early this year I say! And there’s freezing rain in the forecast for today. I’m hoping you’re staying warm. We’re holding down the front up here! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well!