Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

Filling, tasty and just sweet enough to be a treat but not so sugary that you can’t enjoy them as an everyday part of breakfast, these oatmeal chocolate chip muffins are a perfect baked good. They’re yummy to grab as you run out the door or enjoy one as an afternoon snack or evening treat, you really can’t go wrong.

And as it’s entirely likely that you have all of the ingredients to make these oatmeal and chocolate chip muffins in your kitchen right now, so you can make a batch right away. The prep time is only about 10 minutes, and they bake in 25. Preheat the oven and grab the chocolate chips!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffin Ingredients

• Butter: Get the butter out of the fridge about an hour before you make the muffins so it can soften.
• Brown sugar: Make sure to measure the brown sugar after packing it down.
• Egg: One large egg is all you need.
• All-purpose flour: This recipe only calls for a cup of flour, as oats fill in for the rest of the starchiness.
• Baking powder: Baking powder helps the muffins achieve the right texture.
• Baking soda: And baking soda does, too.
• Salt: Salt helps balance out the sweetness.
• Applesauce: The applesauce adds a bit of sweetness, flavor and a nice moistness.
• Rolled oats: You can’t have oatmeal muffins without oats, right?
• Semisweet chocolate chips: And same deal with chocolate chips. Semisweet chocolate chips are less intense than bittersweet, perfect for baking.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, then beat in egg. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients except the oats. Then, slowly add the dry blend and the applesauce to the creamed mixture. Finally, stir in oats and chips.

Step 2: Bake

Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full, then bake the muffins at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffin Variations

• Skip the chocolate chips: Leave out the chocolate chips here for a simple oatmeal muffin that will be less sweet but still filling and tasty.
• Use blueberries: Swapping out the chocolate chips for fresh or frozen blueberries yields a delicious batch of oatmeal blueberry muffins.
• Add chopped nuts: Prepare this recipe just as it is laid out but add in chopped nuts for an even richer flavor profile. Walnuts, pecans or macadamia nuts are all delicious choices.

How to Store Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

Store oatmeal chocolate chip muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for two days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can you freeze oatmeal chocolate chip muffins?

Yes, these muffins will keep well in the freezer for two to three months. Thaw them with a quick zap in the microwave or let them thaw overnight in the fridge.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffin Tips

Can I use instant oats for this recipe?

Sure, if that’s what you have, you can make those work just fine. Adjust the baking time down a little, checking the center of the muffins with a toothpick at 20 minutes.

Can I reduce the sugar in these muffins?

Using a half cup instead of three-quarters of a cup of brown sugar is a healthier alternative, but don’t reduce the sugar more than that, or the flavor balance will be off.

Will vegan butter work for this muffin recipe?

Yes, most vegan butters, like Earth Balance, will work perfectly well in these muffins.