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My weekday granola bar breakfasts get old after awhile. Sigh. Don’t get me wrong, I love a wholesome Lara Bar (Cherry Pie is my favorite flavor!) with my morning coffee and banana, but nothing starts my day like a fresh-from-the-oven, fluffy & soft muffin.
And when chocolate’s involved, I practically shoot out of bed. Is there a better way to start your day than with anything that includes chocolate chips? Not in my book. 
Ever since I made my Nutella Stuffed Cinnamon-Sugar Muffins one Sunday morning last month, I’ve been dying to get in the kitchen after a long workweek and create a similar chocolate-y muffin. While today’s muffins don’t have Nutella, they certainly aren’t shy of any chocolatey goodness.
And what goes better with chocolate than juicy strawberries? Peanut butter comes to mind, but I wanted to take full advantage of the fresh, bright red ripe strawberries I recently got at the market. Chocolate & strawberries are a match made in heaven, am I right?
This weekend, I took a basic sour cream muffin recipe from my Cooks Illustrated: The New Best Recipe cookbook and subbed the blueberries for strawberries and chocolate chips. Sour cream makes these muffins ultra moist, soft, and very very fluffy. They are very light in both color and texture. I love the tenderness sour cream adds to muffins; I prefer my muffins light as opposed to dense and cakey. Cake can be saved for dessert.
The full tablespoon of baking powder in this muffin recipe had me curious. Quite certainly sounds like a lot, right? Well, much to my surprise there is no bitter flavor noted at all with the excess baking powder. Rather, the full tablespoon of baking powder gives these muffins a nice lift and a high, pretty domed top like you see in bakery style muffins. Love that!
The batter is super thick in this recipe. So thick, that you’ll almost feel as if you did something wrong. It took a hefty amount of elbow grease to mix the dry ingredients in with the wet. Remember to fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Do not over stir or overmix, as doing so will create a heavy, tough, and crumbly muffin.
The chocolate drizzle is completely optional. I felt it added a beautiful something extra to these guys. And, of course, more chocolate is obviously necessary.
Needless to say, my weekend delivered one sweet breakfast. And dessert. And maybe a snack, too. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist these muffins any time of day either.
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Makes 12-14 muffins. Muffins taste best served the same day. Muffins remain fresh up to 4 days, covered, at room temperature. Muffins may be frozen. Drizzle with chocolate right before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 Tablespoon (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 and 1/4 cups sour cream (I used light sour cream - regular or nonfat would work too)
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries (thawed frozen would work too)
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 Tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 Tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F. Line 12-cup muffin tin with liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until the yolk & white are combined and light-colored. Add the sugar and stir until the mixture is thick. Add the melted butter in 2 or 3 additions, whisking slowly to combine after each addition. Add the sour cream and whisk until JUST combined. Do not overmix.
- Add the strawberries and chocolate chips to the dry ingredients. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients in 2 or 3 additions, carefully folding after each addition. Stir until the batter comes together, but try not to over mix. The batter will be very, very thick.
- Spoon the batter into prepared muffin tins. Fill the tins all the way to the top. Not 2/3 or halfway filled, ALL the way to the brim. Bake at 425F for 5 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350F and continue to bake for 20-22 more minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- While the muffins are cooling, prepare the chocolate drizzle by melting the chocolate chips and butter in a shallow bowl. Stir, then drizzle chocolate over cooled muffins.
Notes
adapted from the Cooks Illustrated: The New Best Recipe cookbook
© Sally’s Baking Addiction. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or link back to this post for the recipe.
PS: If you like these muffins, don’t miss these similar recipes.
Cake Batter Cinnamon Rolls (no cake mix!)
Skinny Banana Blueberry Muffins
Mini Powdered Sugar Donut Muffins
{ 62 comments… read them below or add one }
YUM! These look and sound fantastic and are getting bookmarked.
Thank you Kate!
Can’t wait to have this tomorrow, look sooooooo good!! Thanks for the recipe.
Thanks Nora! I hope you made and enjoyed them!
oooh these look so decadent!
That chocolate just pops out and makes me want one of these sooo bad! Stunning Sally!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted..Deep-Fried Fluffernutter Sandwich
Gosh these look good! Strawberries and chocolate together in muffin form sounds like perfection to me.
Colleen @ What’s Baking in the Barbershop?! recently posted..Peanut Butter Iced Coffee
Thank you Colleen!
Yummy! I love strawberry bread and just made my first banana strawberry bread. Can’t wait to try adding in some chocolate!
Luv What You Do recently posted..This Weekend in Wisconsin
banana strawberry bread sounds incredible! I want that recipe
This is one of Averie’s recipe and it is amazing.
http://luvwhatyoudo.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/what-day-is-it-today/
Enjoy!!!
Luv What You Do recently posted..Tri Season Begins [and Ends]
I do love how light and fluffy these muffins look!!! In fact they are down right gorgeous looking. And strawberry and chocolate gets an A+ from me for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack:-)
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life recently posted..Blueberry Cheesecake Danish
Thank you Jocelyn! They are super fluffy, I’m glad the camera captured that! I loved reading your blueberry danish recipe!
These muffins are gorgeous! I would eat them over a granola bar any day.
Jen @ Savory Simple recently posted..Noodles with Tofu Stir-Fry
Sally, these are absolutely GORGEOUS!!! Your photos are always so stunning! I agree, muffins definitely top my list for a special breakfast treat, and with chocolate and strawberries, you can’t go wrong.
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl recently posted..Peach Sangria
Wow, thanks for the photo compliment Ashley! I think yours are beautiful too.
Once again we are totally on the same page…we poth posted chocolate and strawberry recipes tonight! I guess we crave the same things
i love that top picture! These look super yummy, Sally!
Back For Seconds recently posted..Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies and Some News!
Thanks Stephanie! We do crave the same things. Loved reading the recipe for your strawberry cookies today.
oh…my…goodness….yummmmmy
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes recently posted..Chinese Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing
These are SUCH gorgeous muffins, Sally! And I am so glad that you’ve actually baked something from your new cookbook– that cookbook is worth it’s 900 weight pages in gold, right!
I read the recipe a few mos ago and noted the full tbsp in their batter but they also said, not bitter. And after seeing these, want to make them! Good field report about the Thick batter..and to not be alarmed. So are they your fave muffin of all time?
Averie @ Averie Cooks recently posted..Homemade Thin Mints
the thick batter had me VERY worried that the muffins would be heavy and dense, which is not at all what I think a muffin should be! And I have you to thank for recommending my new favorite book to read and study.
I don’t eat them for breakfast, but Lara’s Cherry Pie bars are amazing! They definitely work as a healthier cherry pie “fix.”
My husband should like these muffins, since he doesn’t like the way the chocolate breaks apart when he bites into my chocolate covered strawberries!
I don’t like how the chocolate easily falls off either! But I accept it. Choc strawberries are too good to pass up! Thanks Lisa.
These are gorgeous Sally. I would totally hop out of bed for one (or 5) of these!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted..Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Bites
Thank you Aimee! And thank you for linking up to my cheesecake bars today
these look so delicious!!
love strawberries ^^
gemgemgoesglobal recently posted..So, I have Purple Hair Now… Kinda
I’m a strawberry addict, thanks!
Tall, fluffy muffins per Sally standards? I know they’ll be amazing. Plus chocolate + strawberry–looks like you and Steph from Back For Seconds teamed up in your flavors today! Who can blame you, chocolate and strawberry rule!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel recently posted..Chocolate Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars–A GUEST POST from Kitchen Meets Girl!
Thanks miss Hayley! I agree, chocolate + strawbs are da bomb haha
I just made these and they turned out DELICIOUS! My new favorite muffin! I did use full fat sour cream, which made them super duper moist. The only thing that seemed different was that mine were a little more browned on top, even though I cooked them for 5 minutes less than you stated. My rack was in the middle position…but maybe I should have had it lower? Idk…and idc…they were still cooked perfectly! I was worried that the muffins would be too thick and dense after seeing the batter, but they turned out fluffy and had the most PERFECT texture…everything you could possibly imagine a muffin to be! I used fresh strawberries too, which made them even more incredible. I ate mine warm with whipped cream, and my dad gobbled a couple down too(: These will be on my blog soon! Don’t worry…I’ll definitely give you credit. Thank you for such a yummy treat to start off my day!
Hey Taylor! Did you turn the oven down to 350F after baking for 5 mins at 425F like the recipe states? Definitely keep them on the middle rack, but try lowering the temp to 325 for the last 20-22 mins of baking. I am SO glad you enjoyed them though! I wish I had whipped cream over the weekend, what a nice pairing!
Yes, I did lower the temperature…but I did it at like 5 minutes and 30 seconds because I forgot for a moment…if that makes any difference. I’m so glad I enjoyed them too! I’m gonna try making these with white chocolate chips and/or vanilla chips next(:
Taylor Buscemi recently posted..Pizzadillas (Pizza Quesadilla!)
These muffins would definitely get me out of bed in the morning!! Love the chocolate drizzle on top!
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction recently posted..Apple Peanut Butter Crisp
the chocolate drizzle really added something extra! Plus, it made them pretty
Thanks Jessica!
Oh my Sally, these would get me out of bed like a shot! Love muffins (they fall in my cake category) and I could eat these all day.
Donna @ The Slow Roasted Italian recently posted..All American Chocolate Malt: Chocolate Malt Crunch Ice Cream Milk Shake
I’m a sucker for muffins too, Donna! Thank you!
BEAUTIFUL, Sally!
Thanks Lizzie!!
Sally these are gorgeous! I love when fresh fruit is in a baked good and then covered in chocolate… I gotta get on these asap!
Laurie {Simply Scratch} recently posted..Baked Parmesan Chicken “Fries”
Thanks Laurie! I know you love choc covered pretzels as much as I do, but chocolate covered strawberries is up there on my list too
I love how chock full of strawberries this has!!! These are gorgeous and love that it’s topped with chocolate!! A winner in my book
Julie @ Table for Two recently posted..Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta
I heart baking with strawberries and these muffins are perfection!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. recently posted..Cherry Peach Galette
I love how light and fluffy these look, Sally. They look like they are just amazing. I don’t think there’s a better breakfast than a muffin and a perfectly ripe banana. That’s what gets me going every day.
Thank you Laura! they are very fluffy! Take out the chocolate and you have yourself one killer strawberry muffin
This basically looks like the most perfect breakfast EVER!!!
These look soo pretty! I love muffins for breakfast. Can’t wait to try!
Chelsea recently posted..Maple Bacon Donut Bites & a Giveaway
I love this idea, I need to make some now!
Chocolate and strawberries are a delectable combo! I love them in these muffins Sally! They look so soft and scrumptious!
Reeni recently posted..White Chocolate and Pistachio Semifreddo
Made these this morning for friends who are staying over for the weekend. Big win!! My subs that I used were homemade yogurt instead of sour cream (just didn’t have sour cream on hand) and mini semi-sweet chips instead of milk chocolate chips. Thanks for posting this winner recipe!!
Homemade yogurt? I am so impressed! SO glad you enjoyed them Betsy! I love these muffins.
I also used vanilla yogurt instead od sour cream and unfortunately although I followed the recipe, except i used oil instead of butter,the muffins were extremely dry and tasteless not moist and light as it was indicated. I would love to make a second attempt but need to know if I’m missing anything maybe more liquid?
Hi Zoro! So sorry to hear that. The sour cream/yogurt should keep them quite moist AND with the addition of oil (leaves more moisture than butter in muffins), I am surprised they were so dry! I know butter gives them quite a bit of buttery flavor though. I suggest adding 2 Tbsp of milk next time if you try to make them again. Sorry they didn’t work out for ya!
Just made these and they are absolutely amazing!
mmmm I love these muffins Gabi! Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed them as well.
Hi Sally! I was just wondering if mango or kiwi can be used in this recipe?
yep, they sure can. I bet either would be wonderful in this muffin recipe. Enjoy!
Hi Sally! I made these tonight and used fresh raspberries instead of strawberries and semi-sweet chips and they turned out perfectly and taste absolutely heavenly! Next time I make these I might try either strawberries or raspberries again with white chocolate chips. Thank you for such a delicious recipe
Adding white chocolate chips sounds wonderful! And raspberries too of course.
Enjoy!
The muffin was sooooo moist and delicious, adding the chocolate chips and strawberries took it over the top ! BTW, I LOVE your recipes and website. Thanks, ooodles =;)
So happy you made these! I love them with all that chocolate drizzle. Thanks for reporting back, Nancy!
I just made these for Mother’s Day! I was worried when I realized I didn’t have sour cream, but I subbed plain Greek yogurt and they are absolutely divine! Every time I make something off your site, I just want to make more. Everything is completely fabulous
Thanks for all your hard work!
Hi Ellen! Thanks for reporting back about them.
Greek yogurt is always a good sub for sour cream.
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