One Bowl Chocolate Chip Muffins (Easy, Fluffy & Kid-Approved)
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By Danielle | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 22 min | Total Time: 32 minutes | Makes: 12 muffins
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why i love these muffins
Is there anything more universally loved than a chocolate chip muffin? In our house, the answer is a firm no. These are the kind of muffins that disappear from the counter faster than I can set them out — and honestly, I can't blame anyone. They're fluffy, packed with chocolate chips in every bite, and made entirely in one bowl, which means less mess and more time doing the things that actually matter.
One of my favourite things about this recipe is the addition of applesauce. It might sound like an unexpected ingredient, but it's a total game changer — it keeps these muffins wonderfully moist well past day one, which is saying something in a house full of kids. It also adds a little extra fibre, which I always love when I'm baking for my family. A simple swap that makes a big difference.
Whether you're baking these for an after-school snack, tucking them into lunchboxes, or just want something homemade on the table without a lot of fuss, this recipe has you covered. One bowl, simple ingredients, and that feel-good knowing exactly what your kids are eating. It really doesn't get much better than that.
Danielle's Easy chocolate chip Muffin Recipe
Equipment
Large mixing bowl (affiliate link), or standmixer with paddle attachment
spatula (affiliate link)
muffin tin (affiliate link)
muffin liners
Base Ingredients
2 eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup oil (canola or vegetable oil work great)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
½ cup brown sugar
½ tsp iodized salt
1 tsp baking soda
½ cup unsweetened apple sauce
½ cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet
2 cups all-purpose flour
Optional add-ins:
¼ cup of chopped pecans
orange zest, of 1 navel orange
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep your oven
Preheat your oven to 35o°F (175°C).
Step 2 - Make your batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients in the listed order: whisk the eggs, milk, oil, vanilla and apple sauce. Mix well. Add in the dry ingredients in the listed order: brown sugar, salt, baking soda, fold in the chocolate chips. Mix well. Finally, add in the flour.
Step 3 – Prep oven, and bake the muffins
Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well. Using a ¼ cup measuring spoon, scoop batter into the cups, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing.
Tips for the Best chocolate chip Muffins Every Time
- Don't overmix. Stir until just combined — lumps in the batter are your friend. Overmixing develops gluten and leads to tough, flat results.
- The mix-ins make it versatile. Each variation gives the batter a completely different personality. The pecan- orange combo is bright and fresh.
- Make a double batch and freeze. Muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using. Future-you will be very grateful.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk. This helps the batter come together more evenly and gives you a better rise.
- Canola or vegetable oil keeps the batter light and neutral, letting your mix-in flavours really shine through.
Variations
Berry Chocolate Chip Muffins: Fold in ¾ cup of your favourite berries (blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries) to this muffin mix at the same time as adding the chocolate chips.
Chocolate-Chip & Pecan Muffins: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to this muffin mix at the same time as adding the chocolate chips.
Orange Chocolate-Chip Muffins: Don’t add vanilla. Add the zest of 1 navel orange at the same time as the applesauce, and mix well. Continue the recipe as instructed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use this batter to make pancakes?
Yes! That's exactly what this recipe is designed for. The same batter works beautifully for both pancakes on the stovetop and muffins in the oven. Just pour onto a griddle for pancakes, or scoop into a muffin tin and bake at 35o°F for roughly 22 minutes.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this batter up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before using. Avoid overmixing when you stir it again.
Can I freeze pancakes and muffins made from this batter?
Absolutely. Both pancakes and muffins freeze well for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight bag or container. Thaw in the fridge or microwave pancakes for 30–60 seconds.
What makes this a kid-friendly recipe?
It uses simple pantry staples, comes together in one bowl, and the mix-in options let kids pick their favourite flavour. These chocolate chip muffin recipe is especially popular with little ones.
How do I know when muffins are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the centre of a muffin — if it comes out clean or with just a few dry crumbs, they're done. If batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for another 2–3 minutes and check again.
REcipe card
Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup oil (canola or vegetable oil work great)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
½ cup brown sugar
½ tsp iodized salt
1 tsp baking soda
½ cup unsweetened apple sauce
½ cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet
2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 35o°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients in the listed order: whisk the eggs, milk, oil, vanilla and apple sauce. Mix well.
Add in the dry ingredients in the listed order: brown sugar, salt, baking soda. Mix well.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Finally, add in the flour, being careful not to over mix.
Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Using a ¼ cup measuring spoon, scoop batter into the cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Let cool for 15 minutes before removing to the cooling rack.
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