Brownie Chocolate Chip Coffee Muffins

Lightly sweet but chocolatey, these Brownie Chocolate Chip Coffee Muffins are a perfect morning muffin or late-night treat.

When I was younger chocolate muffins were such an anomaly to me. I remember the bagel shop my mother used to take us to on weekends would have the largest chocolate muffins speckled with as many chocolate chips you could imagine, stacked in a tower on the counter.

Chocolate for breakfast? Muffins are after all, cupcakes for breakfast, so this creation was intended to break the rules.

It felt so wrong in the most delightful way to come back with a chocolate muffin in the morning. Of course, it was an indulgence I wasn't allowed often, but for me it still feels like a naughty treat.

Today's recipe is nod to those big, beautiful muffins of my childhood.

They are rich and fudgy but the best part is they are semi-homemade and made partly guilt-free due to the applesauce and oatmeal mixed into the batter.

The end result is something that still feels like an indulgence but is so satisfying. They are dense like a brownie with bits of chocolate and oatmeal adding a nice texture that feels hearty. You also get notes of coffee and vanilla which plays perfectly into the whole recipe.

Treat yourself in the morning to one with a cup of coffee or enjoy for dessert with a sprinkle of confectioner's sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

Brownie Chocolate Chip Coffee MuffinsPhoto byLiving the Gourmet

Ingredients

• 1 box brownie mix
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 2 1/2 tablespoons instant coffee
• 1 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 stick softened butter
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• Chocolate syrup, for drizzling (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
2. Place chocolate chips and instant coffee in food processor and give a few good chops.
3. Combine dry ingredients on large bowl- brownie mix, oatmeal, chocolate chips, instant coffee, baking soda and flour
4. In smaller bowl combine eggs, apple sauce, milk, vanilla and butter.
5. Mix this with a hand mixer until well combined.
6. Combine both bowls and mix well with a hand mixer.
7. Place into cupcake tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.
8. When ready to serve, remove the cupcake paper and drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle powdered sugar.

**If you enjoyed today's recipe, visit Living the Gourmet for more delicious and easy treats!