The Best Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Muffins (Bakery-Style)

If you're looking for a delicious gluten free muffin recipe with chocolate chips, look no further! These chocolate chip muffins are moist, fluffy, and full of chocolatey goodness. Plus, they're easy to make and require a few simple ingredients.

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These gluten-free chocolate chip muffins are a delicious treat. They're bakery-style muffins, so they have that classic puffy, domed top that everyone loves. The moist and fluffy texture, combined with the chocolate chips and a crunchy sugar topping, make these muffins a real treat. If you're following a gluten-free diet, these muffins are sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!

If you're looking for more delicious gluten-free muffin recipes made with a gluten-free flour blend, check out my gluten-free banana pumpkin muffins, my scrumptious lemon muffins (gluten-free), and my small batch gluten-free blueberry muffins (stuffed with crumble).

Jump to:

• What Makes These Muffins So Good?
• Why These Muffins Are Simply Irresistible
• Key Ingredients
• Dive into the Key Ingredients
• Tips for Making Gluten-Free Muffins
• How to Get a Domed Muffin Top
• What is the best gluten-free flour blend?
• Mastering Gluten-Free Muffins: Expert Tips
• The Best Gluten-Free Flour for Muffins
• Recipe Substitutions
• Recipe Variations
• How can I make this recipe vegan?
• Recommended Equipment
• Storage Instructions
• Chocolate Chip Muffins Serving Ideas
• FAQ
• The Best Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Muffins (Bakery-Style)

What Makes These Muffins So Good?

There are a few factors that contribute to the deliciousness of this gluten free muffin recipe with chocolate chip:

• Moist and tender texture: The combination of butter, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk creates a moist and tender texture that is hard to resist.
• Chocolatey goodness: The chocolate chips add a delicious chocolate flavor to the muffins that is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover. Additional chocolate chips on top of the muffins add extra chocolate, too.
• Easy to make: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a great option for bakers of all skill levels.
• Gluten-free: These muffins are suitable for those following a gluten-free diet, so everyone can enjoy them.
• Versatility: These muffins are a great snack or breakfast option. They can be served plain or topped with butter, nut butter, or cream cheese. They also freeze well. Make a batch and enjoy them throughout the week.

Overall, these gluten-free chocolate chip muffins are a tasty and satisfying treat. They are sure to become a new favorite. Make sure to save some additional chocolate chips to sprinkle on top!

Why These Muffins Are Simply Irresistible

What sets these muffins apart isn't just their gluten-free attribute; it's the perfect symphony of texture, taste, and wholesomeness. Here's what makes them special:

• Moist and Tender Texture: Achieved through a meticulously balanced mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk, these muffins offer a mouthwatering tenderness that will have you reaching for another.
• Rich Chocolatey Goodness: Generously filled with chocolate chips and topped with a sprinkle more, these muffins fulfill every chocolate lover's dream.
• Simplicity in Baking: This recipe demystifies the process of baking gluten-free treats, making it accessible to bakers of all levels.
• Versatility and Storage: Not only are these muffins a fantastic option for breakfast or a snack, but they also freeze beautifully, allowing you to savor them anytime.

Key Ingredients

Here is a more detailed explanation of the key ingredients in this gluten-free chocolate chip muffin recipe:

• Gluten-free flour: This is the main ingredient in the muffins and provides the structure and texture. There are many types of gluten-free flour available, including almond, coconut, and rice flour. In this recipe, a blend of gluten-free flour gives the muffins a more traditional texture.
• Sugar: This adds sweetness and moistness to the muffins. In this recipe, granulated sugar is used, but you could also use brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.
• Butter: This adds richness and flavor to the muffins and helps to create a tender texture. Make sure to use unsalted butter so that the muffins don't end up too salty.
• Eggs: These add moisture, structure, and richness to the muffins. They also help to bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract: This adds flavor and depth to the muffins. It's a good idea to use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation vanilla. It just tastes better!
• Salt: This is a key ingredient in baking as it helps to balance out the sweetness and enhance the other flavors. In this recipe, kosher salt is used, but you could also use regular table salt.
• Baking powder: This is a leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and gives them a fluffy texture.
• Baking soda: This is also a leavening agent, and it works with the baking powder to help the muffins rise.
• Buttermilk: This adds moisture and helps to tenderize the gluten-free flour. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Chocolate chips: These add a delicious chocolatey flavor to the muffins. You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or another type of chocolate, depending on your preference.
• Coarse sugar: This is an optional ingredient that adds a crunchy texture and a little extra sweetness to the muffins. You can use regular granulated sugar, decorative sugar, or coconut sugar instead.

Dive into the Key Ingredients

Gluten-Free Flour Blend: The cornerstone of these muffins. For the best results, opt for a high-quality blend like King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour or Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Flour, ensuring your muffins have a classic texture without the gluten.

Buttermilk's Magic: The secret ingredient for tender, moist muffins. Don't have it on hand? No worries! A simple mix of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice works wonders as a substitute.

The Chocolate Factor: Using semi-sweet chocolate chips introduces a deep, rich chocolate flavor, but feel free to experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips for a personalized touch.

Tips for Making Gluten-Free Muffins

Here are a few tips for making gluten-free muffins:

• Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough, dense muffins. Mix the ingredients until just combined to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
• Don't skip the leavening agents: Baking powder and baking soda are crucial for helping the muffins rise and giving them a fluffy texture. Make sure to include these ingredients in the recipe.
• Use buttermilk or a buttermilk substitute: Buttermilk helps to tenderize the gluten-free flour and adds moisture to the muffins. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Use a light hand when stirring in the chocolate chips: If you stir the chocolate chips in too vigorously, they can create streaks of chocolate. Gently fold them into the batter to keep them whole.
• Don't overbake the muffins: Overbaking can lead to dry, overcooked muffins. Keep an eye on the muffins as they bake. Remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

By following these tips, you can create delicious gluten-free muffins that are moist and fluffy.

How to Get a Domed Muffin Top

There are a few factors that can contribute to a domed muffin top:

• The right ratio of ingredients: The right balance of wet and dry ingredients is important for achieving a domed muffin top. Too much liquid can lead to a flat top, while too much dry ingredients can result in a dense, heavy muffin.
• Adequate leavening: Adequate leavening is essential for helping the muffins rise and creating a domed top. Include the proper amount of baking powder and baking soda in the recipe.
• The right baking temperature: The baking temperature can also affect the shape of the muffins. Too high of a temperature can cause the muffins to overbrown and flatten out. Too low of a temperature can prevent them from rising properly. Start baking the muffins at 425 for the first 6 minutes of baking. Then, lower the temperature to 375 until the muffins are cooked through.
• Proper mixing technique: Mixing the ingredients properly is also important for creating a domed muffin top. Be sure to mix the ingredients until just combined, and avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a tough texture.

By following these tips, you should be able to achieve a domed muffin top on your gluten-free muffins. Happy baking!

What is the best gluten-free flour blend?

There are many different brands of gluten-free flour available. The best one for you will depend on your personal preference and dietary needs. Some popular brands of gluten-free flour include:

• Bob's Red Mill: This brand offers a wide range of gluten-free flours, including almond flour, coconut flour, and a variety of gluten-free flour blends.
• King Arthur Flour: This brand offers a variety of gluten-free flours, including a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and a gluten-free whole grain blend.
• Cup4Cup: This brand offers a versatile gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that can be used as a 1:1 replacement for regular flour in most recipes.
• Namaste Foods: This brand offers a variety of gluten-free flours, including an all-purpose blend and a whole grain blend.

It's a good idea to try out a few different brands to see which one you like best. Some brands may be more suited to certain types of recipes, so it's worth experimenting to find the one that works best for you. I recommend using either King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour or Cup4Cup gluten free flour blend for this recipe.

Mastering Gluten-Free Muffins: Expert Tips

Achieving perfection in gluten-free baking requires attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to ensure your muffins turn out flawless every time:

• Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure your muffins stay light and airy.
• Leavening agents are crucial. Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh to help your muffins rise beautifully.
• For that desirable domed top, start baking at a higher temperature to create a burst of steam, then lower it to allow the insides to bake through without burning the exterior.

The Best Gluten-Free Flour for Muffins

Choosing the right gluten-free flour blend is paramount. King Arthur and Cup4Cup are top recommendations for their balanced composition, ensuring your muffins have the perfect structure and taste.

Recipe Substitutions

Here are a few ingredient substitutions that you can try in this gluten-free chocolate chip muffin recipe:

• Sugar: Instead of granulated sugar, you can use brown sugar for a slightly different flavor. You can also use a combination of granulated and brown sugar for a more complex flavor.
• Butter: If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative to butter, you can use coconut oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil in its place. Just be aware that the muffins may have a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Eggs: If you're looking for a vegan or egg-free alternative, you can use flax eggs or chia seed "egg" in its place. To make a flax or chia egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like.
• Buttermilk: If you don't have buttermilk, you can use regular milk in its place. You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Chocolate chips: You can use any type of chocolate chips in this recipe, including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate, or mini chocolate chips. You can also use chopped chocolate or chocolate chunks instead of chips. Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips on top, too!

By using these ingredient substitutions, you can customize the recipe to fit your personal preferences. Just keep in mind that the muffins may have a slightly different flavor and texture depending on the substitutions you make.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few recipe variations that you can try with this gluten-free chocolate chip muffin recipe:

• Add nuts: To add a little crunch and flavor to the muffins, you can stir in some chopped nuts. Think of nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
• Swap out the chocolate chips: Instead of chocolate chips, you can use other types of mix-ins. Try adding chopped dried fruit, coconut flakes, or cookie crumbs. You can also try using white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Make them into mini muffins: To create smaller, bite-sized muffins, you can divide the batter among a mini muffin tin instead of a regular muffin tin. They will take less time to bake, so be sure to keep an eye on them.
• Add spices: To give the muffins a little extra flavor, you can stir in some spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
• Make them into muffin tops: If you prefer the crunchy, sugary tops of muffins, bake the muffin batter in a muffin top pan instead of a muffin tin. This will create muffins that are all top and no bottom.

By experimenting with these variations, you can create a wide range of delicious gluten-free muffins.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make these bakery-style gluten-free chocolate chip muffins, you will need to replace the following ingredients:

• Milk: You can use a plant-based milk, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk, as a substitute for cow's milk.
• Eggs: There are several options for replacing eggs in baked goods. One option is to use a commercial egg replacer, such as Ener-G Egg Replacer. You can use a "flax egg" by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and allowing it to sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like. You can also use mashed bananas or applesauce.
• Butter: You can use a vegan butter, such as Earth Balance. Or, use a neutral-flavored oil, such as canola oil or vegetable oil, as a substitute.

Remember to also check the ingredients of the chocolate chips! They might not be vegan. Some chocolate chips contain dairy products. Be sure to choose a brand that is suitable for a vegan diet.

Recommended Equipment

• Muffin tin: You will need a muffin tin to bake the muffins in. You can use a regular muffin tin or a mini muffin tin, depending on your preference.
• Muffin cups: If you don't want to grease the muffin tin, you can use muffin cups to line the tin. This will make it easier to remove the muffins from the tin once they are baked.
• Mixing bowls: You will need a large mixing bowl to combine the wet ingredients and a separate bowl to mix the dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer: An electric mixer or stand mixer will make it easier to cream the butter and sugar together and mix the ingredients evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: You will need measuring cups and spoons to measure out the ingredients accurately.
• Spatula: A spatula will be helpful for stirring the ingredients together and scraping the batter into the muffin tin.
• Toothpick: A toothpick will be useful for testing the muffins to see if they are done.

Storage Instructions

To store this gluten free muffin recipe with chocolate chip, you can follow these steps:

1. Allow the muffins to cool completely: After the muffins have finished baking, allow them to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Place the muffins in an airtight container: Once the muffins are completely cool, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
3. Store the muffins at room temperature: If you will be eating the muffins within a few days, you can store them at room temperature. The muffins will stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature.
4. Refrigerate the muffins: If you won't be eating the muffins within a few days, you can store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for longer. They will stay fresh for about a week in the refrigerator.
5. Freeze the muffins: If you want to store the muffins for even longer, you can freeze them. To freeze the muffins, place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to warm them up.

Chocolate Chip Muffins Serving Ideas

There are many ways to serve this gluten free muffin recipe with chocolate chip. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve them plain: These muffins are delicious on their own and make a great snack or breakfast option.
• Top them with butter or nut butter: Adding a little butter or nut butter to the top of the muffins can give them a rich, creamy flavor. Use vegan butter if you're vegan!
• Spread cream cheese on top: A dollop of cream cheese on top of the muffins can add a tangy flavor and a creamy texture.
• Pair them with a hot drink: Muffins are a classic pairing with coffee or tea, so consider serving these muffins with a hot drink for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
• Add a drizzle of chocolate: If you're a chocolate lover, you can add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the muffins for an extra decadent touch. Serve with your milk of choice!

By serving the muffins in these ways, you can create a delicious and satisfying snack or breakfast that everyone will enjoy.

FAQ