Chocolate Espresso Muffins

I discovered these Chocolate Espresso Muffins while staying at a B&B in the Scottish Highlands.  They immediately earned a spot in my list of favorites!

This post may contain paid links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

Chocolate Espresso MuffinsI told you it was coming!  And now it’s here.  Fall Baking Season has finally arrived!  I was flipping through my recipes and notes a couple of days ago, and I came across this recipe for chocolate muffins that I got when my wife and I were on vacation in Scotland this summer.  I figured this is an excellent way to kickoff all of the delicious breads, pies, and cakes that are sure to be baked in my kitchen over the coming months.  (I do love to bake year-round, but I suspect that my baking is directly related to the outdoor temperature.  The colder it is, the more I want to bake.)  But I digress…back to these delicious Chocolate Espresso Muffins!

View from Braeside House, Ft. William, ScotlandAbout 6 weeks ago, my wife and I took a vacation to Scotland and drove all over the country.  I can say without a doubt that Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited.  Coincidentally, the very first town we stayed in also ended up being one of the most charming.  Fort William is nestled right along a loch in the Scottish Highlands.  We stayed for a couple of nights at a B&B that was located just a couple blocks from the town center.  (The picture above shows the view from the front of the Braeside House.)  As if the view alone wasn’t enough, the innkeepers were a lovely couple who prepared a delicious breakfast for us every morning, including fruit, homemade bread…and these wonderful chocolate muffins!

Chocolate Espresso MuffinsI did take a bit of liberty with the original recipe for these muffins by adding espresso.  My wife said that I was too predictable when I added the espresso, but I told her that coffee makes everything better…especially when it’s combined with chocolate!  The moral to this story is that the espresso here is optional.  (You won’t offend me if you leave it out…just don’t tell my wife.)  These muffins don’t have any sort of icing or glaze, and frankly they don’t need it.  I thought about adding a course sugar to the top before baking, but I actually forgot…and I’m kinda glad I did.  These Chocolate Espresso Muffins are somewhat similar to brownies, and they are the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee!  (If you don’t go for sweets in the morning, then these could certainly be served for evening dessert as well.)

Chocolate Espresso Muffins

Chocolate Espresso Muffins

I discovered these Chocolate Espresso Muffins while staying at a B&B in the Scottish Highlands.  They immediately earned a spot in my list of favorites!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 muffins
Calories: 369kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the butter and chocolate together in a double-boiler over medium-low heat. (If you don't have a double-boiler, simply use a medium-sized bowl that fits snugly in the top of a saucepan. Place a little bit of water in the pan and then melt the butter and chocolate in the bowl on top. Don't allow the water to touch the bottom of the bowl.)
  • Transfer the melted butter and chocolate to a larger mixing bowl and add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir until combined. Add the eggs 1 at a time. Stir until combined after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and espresso (optional). Stir until well combined.
  • Add the flour and cocoa powder and stir until just combined. (Take care not to overmix at this point.)
  • Fold in the chopped walnuts (optional).
  • Using greased muffins tins or paper liners, fill each cup about 2/3 full with batter.
  • Bake at 350°F for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Notes

*Chocolate chips would not be the best choice here because they aren't designed to melt easily. Baker's chocolate (which can be found in the baking aisle at most markets) works much better!

Spiced® is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Programs and other affiliate services. This means that spicedblog.com receives a small commission by linking to Amazon.com and other sites at no cost to the readers.

8 Comments

  1. Well, you had me at “chocolate” and then to read on and see that there is coffee involved…well, that’s a fabulous way to greet the morning!

    So this is the original Scottish recipe, with the modification of adding coffee?

    ps. Is the flour different in Scotland, like a different consistency?

    (I discovered quite by accident that Irish butter is very delicious….)

    1. This recipe is indeed very close to the original “Scottish Muffins”…but of course I added some espresso. Scottish flour goes by different names than what is typically sold in the U.S. For instance, Scottish bread flour is called “strong” flour. Makes sense, but still pretty cool name!

    1. Thanks, Katie! I must say that these muffins have quickly risen to the Top 3 Muffins List in my house. 🙂 Coffee + Chocolate always seem to go together so well, right?

    1. Hahaha…pretty sure these muffins are fit for any meal. And now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure I’ve eaten them at all 3 meals (just not on the same day!)

  2. It sounds like you and your wife had a lovely vacation! I really wish I could have maybe two….or more of these lovely muffins for breakfast! They look and sound delicious! Take care, Terra

    1. Thanks so much, Terra! The vacation was indeed wonderful…I highly recommend Scotland. And sadly I don’t have any of these muffins left in my kitchen. I might need to fix that problem today! 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating