Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe | 30-Minute Easy

Meta Description: Learn how to make the best cherry chocolate chip muffins with this easy, step-by-step guide. Moist, fluffy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for breakfast or snack time!

Focus Keyword: Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of sweet and tart in a fluffy, moist muffin, these cherry chocolate chip muffins are exactly what you need. These delightful treats bring together juicy fresh cherries and rich chocolate chips in every single bite, creating a bakery-style muffin that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re planning a special breakfast, need a quick snack, or want to impress guests with homemade goodness, this best cherry chocolate chip muffins recipe delivers exceptional results every time.

The magic happens when sweet chocolate chips meet the bright, slightly tart flavor of fresh cherries, all nestled in a tender, vanilla-scented muffin base. Moreover, these easy cherry chocolate chip muffins come together in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze while delivering professional-quality results that rival your favorite bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

• Perfectly balanced flavors – The sweet chocolate chips complement the tart cherries beautifully, creating a harmonious taste experience in every bite

• Incredibly moist texture – Our secret ingredient combination ensures these moist cherry chocolate chip muffins stay soft and tender for days

• Quick and easy preparation – Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute treats

• Versatile for any occasion – Ideal for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snacks, or even dessert

• Freezer-friendly – Make a double batch and freeze extras for convenient grab-and-go breakfasts

• Kid-approved – The best way to make cherry chocolate chip muffins at home that children will absolutely love

• Customizable – Easy to adapt with different types of cherries or chocolate chips to suit your preferences

• One-bowl method – Minimal cleanup required, making these homemade cherry chocolate chip muffins perfect for beginners

Ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins

Essential Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation for perfectly structured muffins
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Essential ingredients for cherry chocolate chip muffins that create the perfect rise
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup melted butter – Adds richness and moisture
• 1 large egg – Provides structure and binding
• 1 cup whole milk – Creates the perfect batter consistency
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile

Mix-ins:

• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped – The star ingredient that makes these muffins special
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips – Best chocolate chips for cherry chocolate chip muffins that distribute evenly throughout

this …

Dietary Substitutions:

For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. If you prefer dairy-free muffins, substitute the butter with melted coconut oil and use your favorite plant-based milk. Additionally, you can use frozen cherries (thawed and drained) when fresh cherries aren’t available.

How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or generously grease with cooking spray. This high initial temperature is the secret to achieving perfectly domed muffin tops.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents throughout your cherry chocolate chip muffins.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated. The mixture should be completely homogeneous before combining with the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula just until the flour disappears. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in more tender muffins.

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the chopped fresh cherries and chocolate chips into the batter, being careful not to overmix. Tossing the mix-ins with a tablespoon of flour before adding helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief cooling period prevents the muffins from becoming soggy on the bottom.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins

What is the secret to the best cherry chocolate chip muffins? The key lies in not overmixing the batter and using the two-temperature baking method. Start at a high temperature to create those beautiful dome tops, then reduce to finish cooking evenly.

Can I make cherry chocolate chip muffins ahead of time? Absolutely! These muffins actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

How to prevent cherries from sinking – Toss your chopped cherries with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the muffin rather than sinking to the bottom.

For extra flavor depth, try adding 1/4 teaspoon almond extract along with the vanilla. The almond pairs beautifully with cherries and adds a subtle sophistication to your homemade cherry chocolate chip muffins.

Room temperature ingredients mix better – Take your egg and milk out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking for easier incorporation and better texture.

Best Ways to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins

The best way to serve cherry chocolate chip muffins is warm from the oven with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. For special occasions, try dusting them with powdered sugar or serving alongside fresh whipped cream and additional fresh cherries.

These versatile muffins pair wonderfully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Additionally, they make an excellent addition to brunch spreads alongside fresh fruit salad and yogurt parfaits. For a decadent dessert presentation, serve them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Consider pairing these moist cherry chocolate chip muffins with our [Classic Banana Bread Recipe] or [Blueberry Lemon Scones] for a complete homemade bakery experience.

Nutritional Information for Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins

Per muffin (makes 12 servings):

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 185mg

These nutritious cherry chocolate chip muffins provide a good source of antioxidants from the fresh cherries, while the chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence. For a lighter version, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour and reduce the sugar by 2 tablespoons.

Storage & Leftovers

How long do cherry chocolate chip muffins last in the fridge? Properly stored cherry chocolate chip muffins will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator when kept in an airtight container. However, they’re best enjoyed within the first 2-3 days for optimal texture and flavor.

For longer storage, wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain their quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. Best reheating methods include warming them in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes or microwaving for 15-20 seconds until just warmed through.

To maintain freshness at room temperature, store the cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel in the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep the muffin bottoms from becoming soggy.

4 FAQs for Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins

Can I freeze cherry chocolate chip muffins? Yes! These muffins freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight at room temperature or warm gently in the oven before serving.

What can I use instead of fresh cherries in cherry chocolate chip muffins? You can substitute dried cherries (chopped), frozen cherries (thawed and drained), or even maraschino cherries (drained and chopped). Each variation will provide a slightly different flavor profile and texture.

Can I make these muffins without chocolate chips? Absolutely! You can omit the chocolate chips for pure cherry muffins, or substitute with white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or chopped nuts for different flavor combinations.

Why are my cherry chocolate chip muffins dense? Dense muffins usually result from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off rather than scooping directly.

Related Recipes for Cherry Chocolate Chip Muffins

If you love these cherry chocolate chip muffins, try our [Double Chocolate Banana Muffins] for an extra decadent treat! Our [Fresh Blueberry Streusel Muffins] offer another fantastic fruit and cake combination, while our [Cinnamon Apple Muffins] provide a cozy fall flavor perfect for any season.

For more cherry-inspired treats, don’t miss our [Cherry Cheesecake Bars] or [Chocolate Cherry Scones] – both feature that same irresistible cherry-chocolate combination you love!

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now you know how to make the best cherry chocolate chip muffins at home! These perfectly moist, flavorful muffins bring together the classic combination of sweet chocolate and tart cherries in a tender, bakery-style treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, enjoying them as an afternoon snack, or sharing them with friends and family, these cherry chocolate chip muffins are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

We’d love to hear about your baking adventures! Did you try any of our suggested variations? How did your family enjoy these moist cherry chocolate chip muffins? Leave a comment below with your star rating and share your photos on social media using #OptimalRecipes – we love seeing your delicious creations!

Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with fellow baking enthusiasts who would appreciate learning how to make these amazing homemade cherry chocolate chip muffins!

Print