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!
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About 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!
I 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
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 5 oz chocolate I used semisweet baker's chocolate
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- ¼ cup espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
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.
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….)
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!
I can tell just by looking at these, the glossy sheen and slight crackling, that they are the kind of muffin I would love to treat myself to. Coffee, unquestionably makes chocolate better:) Scotland looks so fab!
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?
Muffins are excellent for breakfast, but muffins that are like brownies for breakfast, I want to stuff my face! Excuse my lack of table manners! Haha!
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!)
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
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! 🙂