Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and savory with these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Swirl Muffins. Each muffin offers a moist and fluffy base, generously swirled with rich peanut butter and dotted with melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Swirl Muffins 1

Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a dessert, these muffins are sure to please peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike. Follow this easy-to-make recipe for a treat that combines the comforting flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

Serving Size: 12 Muffins

1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup peanut butter, melted
3/4 cup chocolate chips, plus extra for topping

Instructions for Making Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Swirl Muffins

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl: whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add the chocolate chips to the batter and fold gently to distribute them evenly.
Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the batter. Spoon a teaspoon of melted peanut butter on top of the batter in each cup, then use a toothpick or a knife to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top, if desired.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Ingredient Quality: The quality of your ingredients can significantly affect the outcome of your muffins. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. For instance, natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils can offer a more robust flavor.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before starting. Room temperature ingredients blend more seamlessly, creating a smoother batter that rises more uniformly during baking.

Muffin Batter Consistency: The key to moist, fluffy muffins is not overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense muffins.

Peanut Butter Swirl Technique: To achieve the perfect peanut butter swirl, use a toothpick or the tip of a knife. Aim for a marbled effect rather than fully incorporating the peanut butter into the batter. This creates pockets of peanut butter flavor throughout the muffins.

Chocolate Chips: To prevent chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of your muffins, you can lightly coat them in flour before folding them into the batter. Also, using a mix of chocolate chip sizes can create a more interesting texture.

Baking Temperature and Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s essential to know your oven. Sometimes, baking at a slightly lower temperature for a longer period can prevent the tops from browning too quickly while ensuring the muffins are cooked through.

Muffin Liners vs. Greasing: Using muffin liners can make cleanup easier and prevent sticking. If you prefer not to use liners, make sure to grease the muffin tin well. A light coating of butter or non-stick spray works best.

Testing for Doneness: Use a toothpick or a cake tester to check if the muffins are done. Insert it into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.

Serving Suggestions

Warm vs. Room Temperature: These muffins are delicious both warm and at room temperature. Serving them warm can enhance the peanut butter and chocolate flavors, making the chocolate chips gooey and delightful.

Accompaniments: Pair these muffins with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a classic combination. For a more decadent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Breakfast or Brunch: Elevate your breakfast or brunch by serving these muffins alongside a fruit salad, yogurt, or your choice of breakfast proteins. They add a sweet and satisfying element to any morning meal.

Dessert Options: For a dessert twist, slice a muffin in half and warm it slightly before adding a scoop of peanut butter or chocolate ice cream. Drizzle with chocolate sauce or sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature Storage: Once cooled, store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is sealed well to prevent the muffins from drying out.

Refrigerating Your Muffins: For longer storage, place the muffins in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can last up to a week when stored this way. To serve, you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that just-baked taste and texture.

Freezing Instructions: These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.

Reviving Stale Muffins: If your muffins have gone a bit stale, you can revive them by warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it will affect the texture, making the muffins denser. For a compromise, use half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour.

What can I use instead of buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a 1-cup measure, then filling the rest with milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

How can I make these muffins gluten-free? To make these muffins gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. Ensure that your baking powder and other additives are gluten-free. Note that the texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

Can I add nuts to the recipe? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a delightful crunch to these muffins. Stir in about 1/2 cup of your chosen nuts into the batter along with the chocolate chips.

Why did my muffins turn out dry? Dry muffins can result from overbaking or measuring the flour incorrectly. Make sure to spoon and level your flour when measuring it, rather than scooping it directly from the container, which can lead to too much flour in your batter. Also, keep an eye on the muffins as they bake and perform the toothpick test a few minutes before the suggested baking time.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Swirl Muffins

No ratings yet

Ingredients

1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled

3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs at room temperature
1 cup buttermilk at room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup peanut butter melted
3/4 cup chocolate chips plus extra for topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl: whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add the chocolate chips to the batter and fold gently to distribute them evenly.
Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the batter. Spoon a teaspoon of melted peanut butter on top of the batter in each cup, then use a toothpick or a knife to gently swirl the peanut butter into the batter. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top, if desired.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.