Easy St. Nicholas Chocolate Muffins: The Ultimate Festive Leftover Chocolate Recipe
The enchanting aroma of cinnamon, the magical twinkle of fairy lights, and the comforting glow of candles – this time of year truly captivates the senses! Christmas has fully embraced my home and heart, starting in November when I begin transforming my living room into a bustling, festive Christmas market. 🎄 My passion for making every part of December extra magical led to today’s delightful recipe: transforming those charming, yet often numerous, St. Nicholas chocolate figures into unbelievably soft, moist, and easy-to-make muffins. Every bite is a little taste of Christmas joy, ensuring no delicious chocolate goes to waste!
Do you have a collection of St. Nicholas chocolate figures gazing at you from the counter, and you’re wondering what wonderful creation they could become? Look no further!
If muffins aren’t quite calling your name today, there’s another fantastic way to utilize your holiday chocolate. Simply chop your leftover chocolate into small pieces and incorporate them as rich chocolate chips into my Chocolate Chip Vanilla Ice Cream. This method worked wonders after Easter when I repurposed chocolate bunnies, yielding a beautifully delicious result. Either way, you can rest assured that every precious piece of holiday chocolate will be enjoyed to the fullest!
For those already steeped in full festive mode, I invite you to explore my extensive Christmas recipe collection. You’ll discover a treasure trove of cozy culinary inspirations, from melt-in-your-mouth cookies to elegant, creamy cocktails designed to make your holiday season truly sparkle. These St. Nicholas chocolate muffins are particularly delightful when paired with a vibrant, sparkling Cranberry Gin Fizz or a comforting, nostalgic Snowball Cocktail. Get ready to embrace the joy of holiday baking and sipping!
So, gather your mixing bowl, queue up your favorite Christmas playlist, and let’s embark on a merry baking adventure together!
About the St. Nicholas Tradition
St. Nicholas Day, celebrated annually on December 6th, is a heartwarming tradition that honors St. Nicholas of Myra. This 4th-century bishop was renowned for his extraordinary generosity, profound kindness, and the humble act of secret gift-giving. In numerous European countries, he is revered as the beloved figure who brings small presents and an array of sweets to well-behaved children. The night before, children eagerly place their shoes or boots by the fireplace or door, waking up to find them miraculously filled by morning.
This cherished tradition goes beyond simple gift-giving; it profoundly celebrates the spirit of selfless giving, compassion, and kindness that St. Nicholas embodied. His legacy later inspired the modern figure of Santa Claus, reminding us all that the true magic of Christmas cheer begins with heartfelt, simple acts of generosity and thoughtfulness towards others. It’s a beautiful way to usher in the holiday season, setting a tone of warmth and goodwill.
Why You’ll Love These St. Nicholas Chocolate Muffins
These St. Nicholas Chocolate Muffins are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a celebration of the holiday spirit and smart baking. Here’s why this recipe will become a new festive favorite in your home:
- Perfect for Leftover Holiday Chocolate: Say goodbye to unused St. Nicholas figures! This recipe provides a delicious and creative solution to transform those delightful chocolates into something new and exciting.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and common pantry ingredients, these muffins come together quickly, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules or spontaneous baking sessions.
- Soft, Moist, and Irresistible: The combination of oil/butter, brown sugar, and milk ensures a wonderfully tender crumb, while the melted chocolate pockets add an extra layer of gooey deliciousness.
- Customizable Flavor: Whether you prefer milk chocolate for a classic sweet taste or dark chocolate for a richer experience, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preference. A hint of cinnamon adds that unmistakable festive warmth.
- A Taste of Christmas in Every Bite: The rich chocolate and optional cinnamon infuse these muffins with the cozy flavors of the season, making them perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a delightful dessert.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Baking these muffins is a wonderful activity to share with family, especially children, who will love helping chop the St. Nicholas figures and, of course, eating the results!
🥘 Ingredients
- St. Nicholas Chocolate Figures: The star of the show! Chop your leftover St. Nicholas chocolate figures (or any solid holiday chocolate) into small, roughly ½-inch pieces. As they bake, these pieces will melt into luscious, gooey chocolate pockets throughout the muffins. Feel free to sprinkle a few extra pieces on top before baking for an extra chocolatey visual and textural treat. Both milk and dark chocolate varieties work beautifully, offering different flavor profiles.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for our muffins. Regular all-purpose flour ensures a light, soft, and fluffy texture, providing the perfect base to hold all that delicious chocolate.
- Sugars (Granulated and Brown): A thoughtful blend of both granulated and brown sugar is used. Granulated sugar provides crisp sweetness, while brown sugar contributes a deeper, more complex caramel-like flavor and, crucially, helps keep the muffins wonderfully moist and tender thanks to its molasses content.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These are our essential leavening agents, working together to give the muffins their perfect rise and airy texture. Ensure they are fresh for optimal results.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is vital to balance the sweetness of the sugars and chocolate, enhancing all the flavors in the muffin.
- Oil or Melted Butter: You can choose between neutral-flavored vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter. Oil tends to yield a slightly moister muffin that stays fresh longer, while butter offers a rich, traditional bakery flavor.
- Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness and structure to the muffins. For the best, most even mix, make sure your eggs are at room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Milk or Buttermilk: Whole milk provides moisture and tenderness. If you opt for buttermilk, its acidity reacts with the baking soda to create an even lighter, more tender crumb and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
- Cinnamon (Optional): For an added layer of festive warmth and spice, a touch of ground cinnamon is highly recommended. It pairs wonderfully with chocolate and truly evokes the holiday spirit.
For precise quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.
🔪 Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly soft and chocolatey St. Nicholas muffins that will fill your home with festive cheer.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, prepare a standard 12-cup muffin tin. Line each cup with paper liners or grease them lightly with baking spray to prevent sticking. As the oven heats, take a moment to savor the anticipation – the best baking experiences always start with a happy, relaxed heart!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, bring together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and, if you’re using it, the festive cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and there are no visible lumps. The cinnamon, if added, will already begin to release its warm, inviting fragrance, making your kitchen smell like Christmas morning.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the wet components: the oil (or melted butter), room temperature eggs, fragrant vanilla extract, and your choice of milk or buttermilk. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and beautifully emulsified. This careful blending of the wet ingredients is key to achieving that wonderfully soft and tender crumb in your finished muffins.
Step 4: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, pour the liquid wet ingredients into the bowl containing your dry mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until the ingredients are *just* combined. Resist the urge to overmix! A slightly lumpy batter is actually ideal for light, fluffy muffins. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, dense muffins.
Step 5: Fold in the St. Nicholas Chocolate
It’s time for the star ingredient! Carefully fold in your roughly chopped St. Nicholas chocolate figure pieces. If you wish to create an extra appealing topping, reserve a few chocolate chunks for sprinkling later. Each muffin will be bursting with surprise pockets of melted chocolate, adding a burst of Christmas joy with every bite.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin Evenly
Distribute the muffin batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Aim to fill each cup approximately two-thirds full. For perfectly portioned muffins and a mess-free process, a large cookie scoop is an absolute game-changer – if you don’t have one, consider checking out my cookie scoop guide! If you reserved some chocolate pieces, now is the time to sprinkle them generously over the top of each muffin for an irresistibly gooey and appealing finish.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. The muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t be alarmed if you hit a pocket of melted chocolate – that’s precisely the delightful surprise we’re aiming for! Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Cool and Indulge
Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period helps them set before you carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the ultimate treat, enjoy them warm while the chocolate is still beautifully melty, perhaps alongside a steaming cup of coffee, a rich hot chocolate, or a festive holiday cocktail. Few things embody the spirit of Christmas quite like a freshly baked chocolate muffin and a peaceful moment of indulgence.
🌡️ Storage
To keep your St. Nicholas chocolate muffins at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will retain their wonderful softness and moisture, especially if you opted for oil in the recipe. For longer-term enjoyment, these muffins freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. First, ensure they are completely cooled. Then, individually wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy that freshly baked magic again, simply warm them gently in the oven or microwave.
💭 Expert Tips for Perfect Muffins
- Choosing the Best Chocolate: For optimal results, use almost any solid, unfilled chocolate. Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, more classic nostalgic flavor, while dark chocolate lends a richer, more sophisticated taste. The key is to avoid chocolates with creamy, liquid, or praline centers, as these can melt unevenly and alter the muffin’s texture. Solid figures, chocolate bars, or even chocolate coins are perfect once chopped.
- Utilizing Other Leftover Chocolates: No St. Nicholas figures on hand? No problem at all! This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute any leftover Christmas chocolate you might have – hollow Santas, festive chocolate ornaments, foil-wrapped figures, or even chocolate advent calendar pieces. Just ensure you chop them into small, manageable pieces so they melt beautifully and distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Making Them Extra Festive: Elevate the holiday appeal of your muffins with these simple touches. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chunks directly on top of the batter before baking for a delightful visual and textural contrast. Once cooled, a light dusting of powdered sugar creates a beautiful “snow-kissed” effect. For a charming homemade gift, tie a few muffins in a pretty cellophane bag with a festive ribbon – sharing homemade treats is truly what this season is all about!
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is arguably the most crucial tip for moist, tender muffins. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir *just* until everything is incorporated. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense, and chewy muffin instead of a light and airy one.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the oil or butter, resulting in a smoother, more uniform batter and a finer texture in the final muffin.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your muffins as they bake. Overbaking is a common culprit for dry muffins. As soon as a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding melted chocolate) comes out clean, they’re ready. The edges should be golden, and the tops lightly browned.
🍽 Equipment
- 12-cup Muffin Tin: The essential tool for baking perfect batches of muffins.
- Paper Muffin Liners or Baking Spray: For easy removal and cleanup. Liners also add a nice presentation.
- Two Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients, one for wet, making the mixing process smooth and organized.
- Whisk: To thoroughly combine both your dry and wet ingredients.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For gently folding the wet into the dry ingredients, crucial for avoiding overmixing.
- Cookie Scoop: A true game-changer for perfectly portioned muffins, ensuring even baking and uniform size. If you don’t have one yet, take a look at my cookie scoop guide for tips on choosing the right size for your needs.
- Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing air to circulate around the muffins as they cool, preventing them from getting soggy.
- Chopping Board and Sharp Knife: For safely and efficiently chopping your St. Nicholas chocolate figures into smaller pieces.
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🎄Perfect Pairings for Your Festive Muffins
If you ask me, no cozy baking day is truly complete without a delightful festive drink in hand! These rich, chocolate-filled St. Nicholas muffins are wonderfully complemented by a variety of my favorite Christmas cocktails and non-alcoholic options – each one designed to amplify the holiday magic.
For a refreshing and spirited choice, try pairing them with a sparkling Cranberry Gin Fizz. Its light, fruity notes and festive fizz make it an ideal companion for a December afternoon treat. Alternatively, if you appreciate a drink with a bit more tang to beautifully balance the sweetness of the muffins, a vibrant Cranberry Sour will hit just the right spot.
For the ultimate chocolate lover (and I suspect you might be one!), the decadent Chocolate Martini offers pure indulgence. Imagine it as a sophisticated, grown-up dessert in a glass – it complements these chocolate muffins as perfectly as mistletoe complements mulled wine!
And if your heart yearns for something truly classic and comforting, you simply cannot go wrong with a steaming mug of authentic Glühwein (Mulled Wine). The warm, aromatic spices, bright orange notes, and subtle hint of red wine make every bite of muffin taste even more wonderfully Christmassy.
Searching for a delicious non-alcoholic alternative? My homemade Spiced Apple Cider is brimming with festive flavors and pairs exceptionally well with the rich chocolate notes of these muffins, offering warmth and comfort without the spirits.
Whichever pairing you choose, remember to light a candle, put on your cherished Christmas playlist, and allow yourself to fully sink into that joyful, peaceful December feeling – you truly deserve every bit of it.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of St. Nicholas figures?
Absolutely! If you don’t have leftover St. Nicholas figures, or simply prefer, high-quality chocolate chips (milk, dark, or a mix) will work perfectly. Just be sure to use about 11 oz (or 1.5-2 cups) to maintain the generous chocolate-to-muffin ratio.
- Can I make these muffins dairy-free or gluten-free?
For dairy-free, use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and dairy-free chocolate figures/chips. Ensure your oil choice is suitable. For gluten-free, you can try substituting an equal amount of a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Results may vary slightly in texture, but it should still be delicious!
- How far in advance can I make these muffins?
These muffins are best enjoyed on the day they are baked, especially warm. However, they store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months, making them perfect for meal prepping holiday treats!
- Why are my muffins dry or tough?
The most common culprits for dry or tough muffins are overmixing the batter or overbaking them. Remember to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined (a few lumps are fine!). Also, keep a close eye on the baking time and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
- Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Yes, you can certainly experiment! A pinch of nutmeg, a tiny amount of ground cloves, or even a mix of gingerbread spice would complement the chocolate beautifully and enhance the festive flavor.
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If you make this delightful recipe, please let me know how much you loved it by giving it a ★★★★★ star rating and leaving a comment below. Your feedback means the world! You can also sign up for our Newsletter to receive weekly delicious homemade recipes directly in your inbox. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your festive creations with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don’t miss seeing your baking masterpieces!
📖 Recipe
St. Nicholas Chocolate Muffins
Nora
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Pin Recipe
Equipment
-
12-cup muffin tin
-
Paper liners or baking spray
-
2 Mixing bowls
-
Whisk
-
Spatula or wooden spoon
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Cookie scoop
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Cooling Rack
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Chopping board and knife
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional, for a festive touch
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
Add-ins (optional)
- 11 oz St. Nicholas chocolate figures
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.
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In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon (if using).2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cinnamon
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¾ cup milk or buttermilk until smooth.½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. A few small lumps are fine!
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Fold in 11 oz St. Nicholas chocolate figures, saving a few for topping if you like.11 oz St. Nicholas chocolate figures
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Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, about two-thirds full. A cookie scoop makes this easy and mess-free! Sprinkle the reserved chocolate on top.
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Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (ignore melted chocolate streaks).
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Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm while the chocolate is still melty, or let them cool completely before storing.
Notes
You can also use any leftover Christmas chocolate like hollow Santas or ornaments.
For extra festivity, dust cooled muffins with powdered sugar or drizzle lightly with melted chocolate.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to ensure food safety.
- Always use separate utensils for cooked and raw foods to prevent cross-contamination.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after handling any raw meat, poultry, or eggs.
- Avoid leaving cooked food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods; refrigerate promptly.
- Never leave cooking food unattended on the stovetop or in the oven.
- When frying or cooking at high heat, use oils with a high smoking point to prevent the formation of harmful compounds.
- Ensure proper ventilation when using a gas stove or oven to prevent the buildup of fumes.
For further comprehensive information on safe food handling practices, please consult the official guidelines from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).