Soft and tender Small Batch Chocolate Muffins made from scratch. This easy recipe makes just six large Chocolate Muffins. And they’re ready to eat in 35 minutes. No electric mixer needed.
Chocolate bliss 💕
Introducing my deliciously easy recipe for Small Batch Chocolate Muffins. That’s right, a simple way to make just six large muffins from scratch.
Expect soft and tender chocolate muffins with sky-high muffin tops. Perfect for when you need a chocolate fix, but you don’t want a mountain of muffins in the house.
I recently developed this recipe when I was in that exact scenario. At home, during lockdown, craving a seriously good Chocolate Muffin. You know the kind, with a soft cake-like centre and that thick, bakery-style muffin top.
So I took inspiration from my Double Chocolate Muffins and made a recipe that makes just six perfectly chocolatey muffins. You. Are. Welcome.
These Small Batch Chocolate Muffins are now on regular rotation at my house. You don’t need an electric mixer, you only need a handful of regular ingredients and they are ready to eat in 35 minutes. Please and thank you.
Why you will love this recipe
- It’s quick and easy
- You don’t need an electric mixer
- It makes just six big muffins
- And they will satisfy ALL your chocolate cravings
Tips for making perfect muffins
- Measure all your ingredients using a baking scale for best results. Using cups can be surprisingly inaccurate, and if you overmeasure your flour and/cocoa powder, your muffins will be dry.
- Don’t over mix your muffin batter. Just gently fold the ingredients together by hand using a spatula until combined. Over mixing will result in tough muffins – no thank you.
- Fill your muffin holes right to the top. Unlike cupcakes, we want our muffins to be big with large, domed tops. This recipe will make six bakery-style muffins so don’t be afraid to fill the muffin pan all the way.
- Don’t over bake your muffins. You’ll know your muffins are ready when they’ve developed those sky-high muffin tops. You can double check they’re done by inserting a skewer into the centre and seeing if it comes out clean (like you would with cake).
Frequently asked questions
I recommend using regular unsweetened cocoa powder, but Dutch processed cocoa powder will work too.
Yes. I’ve used oil in this recipe as it adds moisture and also makes this recipe no fuss. I usually use vegetable oil but most flavourless oils will work. However, if you prefer butter, you can use 60 grams (1/4 cup) melted butter instead.
While muffins are typically best eaten on the day they’re made, these muffins do keep well for an extra day or two. Once completely cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For maximum freshness, freeze leftover muffins on the day they’re made.
Yes! We don’t blame you for wanting to make more because they really are THAT good. You can easily double this recipe to make 12 large muffins.
More muffin recipes to try
- Blueberry Crumble Muffins
- Chocolate Banana Muffins
- White Chocolate Raspberry Muffins
- Easy Apple Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Muffins
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Hungry for more? Join me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for more amazing recipe ideas.
Let’s Bake
Small Batch Chocolate Muffins
Easy small batch recipe for soft and tender Chocolate Muffins. Makes just 6 muffins.
Ingredients
- 140 grams (1 cup) plain flour or all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 40 grams (1/2 cup) cocoa powder, sifted
- Pinch of salt
- 90 grams (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) full fat or whole milk
- 75 grams (1/2 cup) chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F) standard / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced. Grease six holes of a 6 or 12-hole muffin pan well with butter or spray lightly with oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, salt and brown sugar and whisk gently.
- In a separate mixing bowl, add oil, vanilla, egg and milk. Whisk with a fork just to break up the egg yolk. Add to dry ingredients and gently fold to combine. Stir through chocolate chips. Try not to over mix.
- Divide chocolate muffin batter into 6 muffin holes – it’s ok to fill them right to the top (see photo below). Bake for 18-20 minutes or until muffins have risen and domed or a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Notes
Cocoa powder: I recommend using unsweetened natural cocoa powder for this recipe. Dutch processed cocoa powder will also work.
Vegetable oil: You can use any flavourless oil in this recipe. Alternatively, you could use 60 grams (1/4 cup) melted butter.
Milk: You can also use buttermilk if you prefer, which will create a lovely light and tender muffin.
Quantity: You can double this recipe to make 12 regular-sized muffins. You can also use the recipe as is to make 18 mini muffins.
Sweetness: Some reader feedback has suggested that these muffins are not sweet enough. You can make them a touch sweeter by adding 1-2 tablespoons of caster sugar or granulated sugar, along with the brown sugar. And you can also reduce the cocoa powder to 30 grams. Since cocoa powder is bitter, this will also help make the muffins a little bit sweeter.
Jenna Maher says
Can i use nondairy milk?
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Jenna, I haven’t tried but it should be ok!
Misha says
Yum yum yum
I’m not a baker by any means but any time I follow your recipe it just comes out perfect 🥰. Thanks xx
Jessica Holmes says
I’m so happy to hear that Misha!
Jean says
Very good! I added some orange zest, turned out amazing!
Jessica Holmes says
So glad you enjoyed them Jean. And choc orange yum!!
Anisha says
Hii jessica!! How can I replace my egg with? Please reply want to make these today
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Anisha, I haven’t tried without egg so I can’t say I’m sorry.
Leonard Seales says
Hi Jess,
Can you explain how long muffins should cook for on the high temperature before the oven temp is reduced to complete the baking process? And what are the two temperatures involved?
Many thanks,
Leonard
Jessica Holmes says
Hi Leonard, I find one consistent temperature works fine for these muffins. But I usually recommend a high temperature (200 C (390 F) standard / 180 C (350 F) fan-forced) for the first 5 minutes, before turning it down (180 C (350 F) standard / 160 C (320 F) fan-forced) for the remaining cooking time.
Leonard says
Thanks Jess. That’s very clear…best wishes….
Tahlia says
Ahhhh, soo good.😙
Straight out of the oven is 👌🏽
Thankyou for the gr8 recipe.
More small batch please!!🤩
❣
Jessica Holmes says
Yaaay! Love hearing that Tahlia!
Belgrave Bakes says
OB-SESSED with this recipe! In the space of 3 days, I made it 4 times. Sensational!
Jessica Holmes says
LOVE THAT!!
) Christina says
Super good, easy to make and delicious
Jessica Holmes says
Yes! Love that!
Tn says
Is the taste same as the double chocolate muffins big batch?
Jessica Holmes says
Yes very similar!!
Supriya Patkar says
Lovely recipe I have tried many recipes What ever I have tried were absolutely delicious and perfect.Will surely try muffins Thankyou
Jessica Holmes says
I hope you enjoy them!
Sally says
Lovely recipe, made these muffins three times now doubling the recipe to make 12 each time. We love them and have become a favourite in our household, making more tomorrow! Thank you.
Jessica Holmes says
I love hearing that Sally! Thank you for the lovely feedback!
Sam says
This recipe is just amazing! Thank you so much for all of your recipes! I literally don’t need to look anywhere else, everything I have made has been absolutely perfect. Thank you 💗 xx
Jessica Holmes says
Aww that’s so kind! Thank you so much for saying Sam!
Prachi says
The recipe gives perfect moist muffins. I replaced egg with Greek yogurt and they were 😍 perfect and delicious.
Jessica Holmes says
Oh love hearing that!
Natalie says
Doubled the recipe and weighed the ingredients to be sure as you suggested for more accuracy. Absolutely delicious. Will make again definitely. Thank you. They are lovely and soft.
Jessica Holmes says
I’m so pleased to hear that Natalie! Thank you for the lovely review.
Fairouz says
These muffins are delicious. And I love that the recipe only makes six.
Jessica Holmes says
So glad you enjoyed them!
Sugendha says
Hi..I’m vegetarian.. No. Eggs.. What can be used as a substitute please..
Jessica Holmes says
I haven’t tested the recipe without eggs I’m sorry.