These muffins get me lots of compliments, and who would complain about that? The subtle hint of orange and the melty chocolate chips plus the ease with which these come together make these muffins absoultely perfect.
Orange and Chocolate Chip Muffins
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Tablespoon of fresh orange zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted & slightly cooled
1/2 cup of half & half cream (I always make my own by using half milk and half cream)
1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
1 1/4 cups of dark chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly grease or line 12 muffins cups.
In a large bowl, rub the orange zest into the granulated sugar until it becomes fragrant and coloured. Mix in the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in melted butter, cream, and almond extract. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in chocolate chips. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean. Try not to over bake them or else they will be a bit dry. Serve warm.