Buff-o'nut n' muff : Coconut chocolate muffins



Yes, I came up with that title myself even after several objections from our editors in Canada! I won! Deal with it!

The recipe: coconut chocolate muffins with a Buff Boy Brewing Co. coffee kick.

We've all heard of adding coffee to chocolate recipes to enhance the rich, dark flavors. But using a finely ground coffee from a craft roaster (ahem, us) adds a depth of complexity and a subtle, sophisticated edge that you simply won't find with instant coffee. The specific roast profile of Buff coffee will complement the coconut and chocolate, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. (The wordiness today, right??)

So, grab your mixing bowls and preheat the oven! Let's get baking.

Ingredients:

    1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    ¾ cup granulated sugar
    ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    1 tsp baking powder
    ½ tsp baking soda
    ¼ tsp salt
    ½ cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, your preference!)
    1 large egg, lightly beaten
    ¾ cup milk
    ½ cup vegetable oil
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    ¼ cup strong brewed Buff Boy coffee (finely ground into a powder), cooled slightly
    ½ cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet – your choice!)

Instructions:

    Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin well.
    Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and shredded coconut. Make sure the coconut is evenly distributed.
    Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and cooled Buff Boy coffee powder. Ensure the powder is fully incorporated into the liquid.
    Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough muffins. A few lumps are OK!
    Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
    Fill Muffin Cups: Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
    Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
    Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks for Baking Perfection:

    Coffee Power: Experiment with different roasts from Buff Boy Brewing to find your favorite flavor combination. A darker roast will provide a more intense coffee flavor, while a lighter roast will offer a more subtle, nuanced taste. Ensure it's finely ground into a powder for even distribution and optimal flavor infusion.
    Coconut Choice: Sweetened coconut will add extra sweetness to the muffins, while unsweetened coconut allows the chocolate and coffee flavors to shine.
    Chocolate Chip Variety: Use your favorite type of chocolate chips! Mini chocolate chips will distribute more evenly throughout the muffins.
    Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough muffins. Mix until just combined. No tough muff!
    Storage: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

These choco gems are the perfect way to start your day, enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up, or simply indulge in a little bit of deliciousness. And when don't you want some Buff Boy in your mouth??