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    Home » Recipes » Cupcakes and Muffins

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Muffins

    by Jolina | Published: September 14, 2016 | Last Updated: January 18, 2022 | 27 Comments
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    Chocolate Ricotta Muffins
    Chocolate Ricotta Muffins
    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Muffins

    Chocolate chip ricotta muffins are the perfect excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast. Soft and tender, packed with chocolate flavour, so easy to make. Perfect for snacking, lunch boxes, picnics and potlucks too. 

    (Looking for a lemony ricotta treat? Try these lemon ricotta muffins. Crunchy outside, soft and tender inside, and a breeze to make.)

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Muffins
    Jump To hide
    Why you’ll love these chocolate muffins
    What you’ll need
    How to make (with photos)
    Baking tips and recipe FAQs
    Other cupcake and muffin recipes
    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Muffins

    Ricotta cheese is a creamy, fresh cheese that has a delicate, mild, milky flavour.

    It’s commonly used in savoury dishes like lasagna, but works really well in sweets and baked goods as well. Ricotta cheese makes them soft, light and tender. 

    I love baking with ricotta cheese. Some of my favourite desserts with ricotta cheese include:

    • Strawberry ricotta cake
    • Meyer lemon ricotta pound cake

    These chocolate chip ricotta muffins are pretty awesome too. 

    Why you’ll love these chocolate muffins

    If you haven’t tried baking with ricotta cheese, these chocolate muffins are the best treats to get you started.

    • They’re soft and tender, rich and decadent
    • They have double the chocolate from the cocoa powder and the chocolate chips
    • There are walnuts in there too for added texture and crunch
    • The recipe is very easy to follow and make
    • And the ricotta muffins keep well so you can make them ahead for brunch, picnics or potlucks, and easily store leftovers for another day

    What you’ll need

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Muffins

    Ingredients

    It’s easy and straightforward to make chocolate chip ricotta muffins. You’ll need:

    • Ricotta cheese — use whole milk ricotta cheese as much as possible
    • Eggs
    • Milk — I usually use 2% skim 
    • Vanilla extract
    • Unsalted butter
    • All purpose flour
    • Granulated sugar
    • Baking powder
    • Salt
    • Dutch processed cocoa powder
    • Chocolate chips — semi sweet or bittersweet
    • Walnuts

    Tools

    I whisk and stir the muffin batter by hand so an electric mixer is not needed. Just the following:

    • Muffin or cupcake pans — this ricotta chocolate chip muffins recipe yields 20-22 muffins so you will need 2 standard 12-cavity muffin pans
    • Muffin or cupcake liners — I suggest using grease-proof liners like this
    • Mixing bowls
    • Measuring spoons and cups
    • Cookie scoop to transfer the muffin batter to the pan — optional but highly recommended

    How to make (with photos)

    1 PREHEAT. Preheat your oven to 350F. Prep 2 muffin pans by lining each cavity with paper liners.

    2 DRY INGREDIENTS. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cocoa powder. Set aside.

    Combine dry ingredients
    Combine dry ingredients

    3 WET INGREDIENTS. In another bowl, whisk ricotta cheese and eggs (added 1 at a time) until well combined. 

    Combine ricotta cheese and eggs
    Combine ricotta cheese and eggs

    4 MILK. Stir in milk, vanilla extract and melted butter until fully incorporated.

    Add butter to egg mixture
    Combine wet ingredients until incorporated

    5 COMBINE. Add your ricotta mixture to your flour mixture and stir until just blended. 

    Combine wet and dry ingredients
    Chocolate ricotta muffin batter in bowl

    6 FOLD. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts until evenly distributed. Be careful not to over mix the batter.

    Chocolate chips and chopped walnuts added to muffin batter
    Chocolate ricotta muffin batter in bowl

    7 TRANSFER. Transfer and evenly divide your batter into your muffin cups, filling each cup about ⅔ full. 

    Chocolate ricotta muffin batter in pan

    8 BAKE. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out with minimal dry crumbs. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Freshly baked chocolate ricotta muffins

    Baking tips and recipe FAQs

    How to ensure muffins have a domed top and a soft interior


    Ever had your muffins sink in the centre? I’ve had that happen to me a few times so here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way to make sure muffins always have that lovely domed top:

    – Do not over mix the batter. If you’ve been mixing it for 30 seconds, that’s already too long. As long as you don’t have massive patches of flour in your bowl, you’re good.
    – Also, stir gently. Avoid doing any vigorous stirring because this will make your muffins tough. 
    – Stir by hand as much as possible. There’s less chance of overworking the batter vs when using an electric mixer.
    – Do not over bake. Over baking results to hard muffins so you’ll want to watch your baking time. Minimal dry crumbs on your tester is perfect.

    Remember that you’re not looking for a smooth batter but a lumpy one so that when you scoop it onto your muffin liners they plop onto the liners like a blob and don’t flow like cupcake batters usually do.

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Muffins

    Do I need to drain ricotta cheese before using?


    I don’t usually drain ricotta cheese before using it in my recipes. The ricotta cheese that I get is moist but not excessively so. 

    However, if you notice a ridiculous amount of liquid in the tub of your cheese, best to strain it before using.

    Can I make chocolate ricotta muffins in advance?


    You can make these muffins up to 2 days ahead of when you’re planning to serve them. You can leave them on your counter in an airtight container.

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Muffins

    Can I freeze chocolate chip ricotta muffins?


    You can also freeze chocolate chip ricotta muffins. Allow them to cool completely then place them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. 

    When ready to serve, we like to warm them in the microwave for 15-20s wrapped loosely with a damp paper towel.

    Frozen muffins will keep for at least a month.

    How to store chocolate chip ricotta muffins 


    You can store these muffins in an airtight container on your counter. They should keep for 2-3 days. If you store them in the fridge, they should keep for up to a week.

    Note that the longer these muffins sit, the fudgier they get…which isn’t a bad thing at all.

    Other cupcake and muffin recipes

    Love baking cupcakes and muffins? Me too! Check out these easy and delicious cupcake and muffin recipes.

    Hokkaido Cupcakes Recipe
    Hokkaido Chiffon Cupcakes
    Easy Mini Black Bottom Cupcakes Recipe
    Mini Black Bottom Cupcakes
    Ube Muffins Recipe
    Ube Muffins
    Pumpkin Pecan Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping
    Pumpkin Pecan Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping
    • Hokkaido chiffon cupcakes are soft, fluffy and filled with delicate whipped cream. They are light as air and so delicious!
    • Mini black bottom cupcakes are rich dark chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese filling and chocolate chips in the centre. So if you ever can’t decide between a chocolate cupcake and a cheesecake, black bottoms are the delicious answer.
    • Ube muffins are soft but dense, like a proper muffin should be. Topped with a sweet coconut crumble and filled with a generous helping of ube halaya or ube jam, it’s a delicious treat for breakfast, snack, picnics, work and school.
    • Pumpkin pecan muffins are a delicious way to start the day! With bits of crunchy pecans mixed in with the batter and a delightful pecan streusel topping, it’s a pumpkin muffin especially made for a lovely fall morning.
    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Muffins

    Chocolate Chip Ricotta Muffins

    Author: Jolina
    Chocolate chip ricotta muffins are the perfect excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast. Soft and tender, packed with chocolate flavour, so easy to make. Perfect for snacking, lunch boxes, picnics and potlucks too.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
    Cuisine North American
    Servings 20 muffins
    Calories 258 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cupcake Muffin Pan
    • Greaseproof Liners
    • Cookie Scoop
    • Mixing Bowls

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 cups all purpose flour
    • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ⅔ cup cocoa powder I used Dutch processed, sifted
    • 1 cup ricotta cheese
    • 2 pcs large eggs room temperature
    • 1 ⅓ cups milk room temperature
    • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
    • ½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
    • 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or bittersweet
    • 1 cup walnuts roughly chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350F. Prep 2 muffin pans by lining each cavity with paper liners (this recipe yields 20-22 muffins so you would need 2 standard muffin pans).
    • In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1 ¼ cups sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt and ⅔ cup cocoa powder. Set aside.
      Combine dry ingredients
    • In another bowl, whisk 1 cup ricotta cheese and eggs (added 1 at a time) until well combined.
      Combine ricotta cheese and eggs
    • Stir in 1 ⅓ cups milk, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and ½ cup melted butter until fully incorporated.
      Add butter to egg mixture
    • Add your ricotta mixture to your flour mixture and stir until just blended.
      Combine wet and dry ingredients
    • Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup walnuts. Be careful not to over mix the batter.
      Chocolate chips and chopped walnuts added to muffin batter
    • Transfer and evenly divide your batter into your muffin cups, filling each cup about ⅔ full. 
      Chocolate ricotta muffin batter in pan
    • Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of a few muffins comes out with minimal dry crumbs.
      Freshly baked chocolate ricotta muffins
    • Cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Video

    Notes

    1. The total number of muffins this recipe yields depends on how much batter you put in each muffin cup. I usually get 21 muffins.
    2. See the post for lots of baking tips and FAQs.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 258kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 84mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 245IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 1mg

    Nutritional information are estimates only.

    Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating today!Also tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I’d love to see your creations.

    Happy baking!

    Did you make these chocolate muffins with ricotta? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kate

      September 16, 2016 at 4:16 pm

      Ha, team lemon. I love it! I’m with you. I definitely love chocolate, but other desserts flavors are equally delectable. These look amazing!

      Reply
    2. Julie

      September 16, 2016 at 9:13 am

      What a great idea to bake with ricotta! Sounds so tasty. Love it!

      Reply
    3. Ana

      September 16, 2016 at 4:40 am

      These ricotta muffins look delicious and I do love chocolate. Now which is better the lemon or the choc?

      Reply
      • Jolina

        September 16, 2016 at 9:08 pm

        OMG Ana that’s the hardest question EVER hahaha! Though you know I’d say the lemon…but the chocolate is pretty awesome too!

        Reply
    4. Carrie

      September 16, 2016 at 2:31 am

      I love anything with Chocolate! I wouldn’t have thought to put chocolate and ricotta together! These look divine though! I really wish I could make them.

      Reply
    5. Nina

      September 16, 2016 at 1:43 am

      Ricotta cheese and chocolate sound so great together! I will have to try this!

      Reply
    6. Nellwyn

      September 15, 2016 at 5:29 pm

      I love the combination of lemon and ricotta but I never thought of mixing ricotta with chocolate. Sounds delicious! Will have to try it

      Reply
    7. Nena

      September 15, 2016 at 2:51 pm

      Would not have thought of using ricotta, but looks very delicious!

      Reply
    8. Tiina A

      September 15, 2016 at 1:24 pm

      Perfect! I was just looking for muffins recipes! I think I can make these with glutenfree flour. They look so pretty!

      Reply
    9. Katie

      September 15, 2016 at 9:23 am

      Chocolate for breakfast? But of course! These Chocolate Ricotta Muffins look lovely. I will be making them soon.

      Reply
    10. April

      September 15, 2016 at 8:59 am

      Those sound amazing, I bet the ricotta adds an extra creaminess that make them melt in your mouth. I am going to have to try these for a road trip breakfast!

      Reply
    11. Jessica

      September 15, 2016 at 3:52 am

      I can’t start a day without coffee so these chocolate muffins would be a perfect match in the morning. Have to try this.

      Reply
    12. Tara L

      September 14, 2016 at 7:39 pm

      Interesting type of muffin. Never would I imagine to put ricotta in the recipe. Does it taste any different?

      Reply
      • Jolina

        September 17, 2016 at 9:25 pm

        Hi Tara! Ricotta has a very subtle taste so it’s not the overwhelming flavour; what it does is make the texture so soft and tender. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    13. Julie

      September 14, 2016 at 10:31 am

      You had me at chocolate! I’m already loving this muffin!

      Reply
    14. Dawn

      September 14, 2016 at 8:31 am

      If you say it’s ok to eat chocolate for breakfast, I’ll believe ya 😉 Twist my arm, lol!!
      Like you, I’m a big fan of lemon, but chocolate does have its place and these look scrumptious!
      I’ll have one for breakfast and one later for a snack, ok 😉 ?
      Have a great weekend, Jolina!

      Reply
      • Jolina

        September 17, 2016 at 9:29 pm

        Hahaha 🙂 Good for an after dinner snack too eh?? (We eat so much of these muffins at home throughout the day we’re like hobbits lol). Have a great weekend too Dawn!

        Reply
    15. Tania

      September 14, 2016 at 8:28 am

      You have got to stop tormenting me with these fabulous muffins! I have been ill with flu for days and have been craving muffins but lacking the energy to do something about it. Oh my word, these look delicious.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        September 16, 2016 at 9:51 pm

        Sorry you’ve been ill Tania! Hope you feel better. If I could send these muffins over to you I would!!

        Reply
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    Hi, I'm Jolina! And I'm definitely a late bloomer, a thoroughly unexpected baker.

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