Hey there– I’m trying not to show off here. But honestly, I have to say these are my favorite thing I’ve baked in a very long time! So tender and silky and chocolatey with a little streusel crunch on top. Can you tell I love them??
CHOCOLATE ESPERSSO MUFFINS
topping:
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup dark chocolate coated cocoa nibs*
(or chocolate chips)
muffin:
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa**
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup chocolate chips
First prepare the streusel. Mix together the 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup chopped walnuts. Set aside along with the cocoa nibs.
Then in a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, sugars, baking powder and salt. Mix in the egg, milk, coffee, oil and vanilla. Finally fold in the 2/3 cup walnuts and chocolate chips.
Spoon the mixture into the muffin pans lined with paper muffins liners. You’ll have 12 to 15 standard muffins. Sprinkle on the walnut & brown sugar streusel and then scatter the chocolate covered cocoa nibs over the tops.
Pop them into a 375 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes until they are baked and firm to the touch. Hot from the oven they are just about perfect!!– with a mug of tea, even better.
*If you live around here, I got the chocolate covered cocoa nibs at Sprouts.
**I like the Hershey’s extra dark unsweetened cocoa– so much chocolate flavor!
The Thankful Heart 
Saved this Rhonda, I think they are gorgeous and sound delicious and I love muffins especially a good chocolate muffin. BTW, the waffles were a big hit the oat flour worked perfectly.
You are awesome Suzanne!– now I’ve got to track down some oat flour and give them a try. Do you substitute it for regular flour in recipes? I have eaten way too many of these muffins this week– my new fave. Hope you’re having a productive weekend!! (I was working yesterday too– parent conferences coming up!) xo
I order mine from King Arthur the bakers catalog. I get all of my flours from them.
We have King Arthur flour here- I’ll have to go on line for the oat flour… thanks Suzanne.
These looks incredibly delicious Rhonda. I’m sure the espresso really add incredible flavor too. You can have your coffee and muffin all in one. 🙂
Hi Seana!– yep, they kind of remind me of my favorite ice cream– mocha almond fudge!
Hey Rhonda~ Those muffins look and probably taste so fabulously as to awaken the sleepiest of sleepy heads!!! BTW what is the brand name of your chocolate covered cocao nibs? 😋😋😋
Hi Brenda! Fun to hear from you– would love to sit and hear how you two are doing there. I do adore these muffins– the coca nibs are from a store called Sprouts and they are just in little plastic boxes near the produce– no brand name, but the store logo. I’d use mini chocolate chips just as well… Hugs from here to you and Derek.
Have made these twice and getting ready for batch number 3! They are soooo good. Have made them gluten free by using a brand called Cup 4 Cup! Amazing either way…these rock Rhonda!
Brenda–you made my day. So glad you like them!! Haven’t seen Cup 4 Cup. Do you get it at the regular market? Hugs to you and Gretchyn!
I have made these 3 times now and they are addictive! Could possibly eat the muffin paper as well! They are great made with gluten free flour called Cup 4 Cup! Either way they are winners. Thanks for rockin’ out the muffins Rhonda 🐷🐷🐷
Oh my, this looks marvelous!! Walnuts as a topping is a fantastic idea 🙂
Hi Mary Frances– thanks. And I loved the idea of your skillet biscuit– it looks so tender and just about perfect! I’m giving it a try…
You can show off all you want, these look great! -Kat
Thanks Kat– It’s one of those recipes that I know I’ll make often ahead.
These recent muffins you created look irresistible tasty! Yummm!
Oh my word, yes! I have made these several times for family and friends, and they are always a happy hit! Thanks, Auntie Rhonda! You’re the best. 🙂
You are so dear Gretchyn! You’re making me think I should bake some for our group of 20 somethings who come on Thursday nights– they drink a lot of coffee so I think they’d like these. thanks! hugs from here…