Chocolate Brownie Muffins

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the Topping:

1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the cups.
2. Make the Muffin Batter:

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave until fully melted. Let it cool slightly.

Whisk the granulated sugar into the melted butter until well combined.

Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

If using, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

3. Fill the Muffin Tin:

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
4. Bake the Muffins:

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Prepare the Topping (Optional):

While the muffins are cooling, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a small microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth.

Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the cooled muffins for a decadent finish.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Enjoy your chocolate brownie muffins warm or at room temperature.