28 Mini Chocolate Chip and Candy Muffins: A Bite-Sized Delight

Muffins are the ultimate comfort food, but when they’re mini-sized and packed with chocolate chips and candy, they become irresistible little treats.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a lunchbox surprise, or a party treat, these mini muffins deliver big on flavor.

Let’s dive into 28 different variations, tips, and secrets to help you master mini chocolate chip and candy muffins like a pro.

1. Why Mini Muffins Are the Best

Mini muffins aren’t just adorable; they have practical advantages too.

They’re perfectly portioned, bake faster than regular muffins, and offer a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture that’s hard to achieve in a standard muffin size.

Plus, they let you enjoy more flavors in one sitting without feeling guilty!

2. The Perfect Base Recipe

Before we explore flavors and variations, let’s start with the tried-and-true base recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk
• ⅓ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed candy pieces (M&Ms, Reese’s, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin pan with liners or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. (Don’t overmix—lumps are okay!)
5. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and crushed candy pieces.
6. Spoon the batter into the mini muffin pan, filling each cup about ¾ full.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let them cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

3. The Secret to Soft, Moist Mini Muffins

If you’ve ever had dry or dense mini muffins, you know the struggle. Here’s how to make sure yours are light, fluffy, and moist every time:

• Use room-temperature ingredients – This ensures even mixing and a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing activates gluten, leading to dense muffins. Stir until just combined.
• Add a touch of sour cream or yogurt – This makes muffins extra moist and tender.
• Don’t overbake – Mini muffins bake quickly, so check them early to avoid dryness.

4. Best Chocolate Chips for Mini Muffins

Not all chocolate chips are created equal! If you want melty, gooey bites, go for:

• Mini chocolate chips – They distribute evenly in tiny muffins.
• Chopped chocolate bars – Creates pockets of rich, melted chocolate.
• Dark chocolate chips – Perfect for balancing the sweetness of candy pieces.

5. The Best Candy Mix-Ins

Adding candy to muffins isn’t just about sweetness—it’s about texture, crunch, and surprise flavors. Here are some fantastic options:

• M&Ms – Classic, colorful, and slightly crunchy.
• Reese’s Pieces – A peanut butter lover’s dream.
• Crushed toffee bits – Adds a caramelized crunch.
• Chopped peanut butter cups – For a creamy, nutty contrast.
• Mini marshmallows – Creates gooey, chewy pockets inside the muffins.

6. Fun Flavor Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are 5 must-try variations:

1. S’mores Mini Muffins

• Add ½ cup crushed graham crackers to the batter.
• Swap regular chocolate chips for milk chocolate chunks.
• Stir in mini marshmallows for a gooey bite.

2. Peanut Butter Swirl Muffins

• Add ¼ cup peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
• Swirl in extra peanut butter before baking.
• Use Reese’s Pieces for candy mix-ins.

3. Mint Chocolate Mini Muffins

• Replace vanilla extract with ½ tsp peppermint extract.
• Use dark chocolate chips for a rich flavor.
• Add crushed Andes mints on top before baking.

4. Cookie Dough Mini Muffins

• Add ¼ cup brown sugar for a cookie-like flavor.
• Fold in chopped cookie dough pieces.
• Use white and dark chocolate chips for contrast.

5. Caramel Apple Muffins

• Swap white sugar for brown sugar.
• Stir in finely chopped apples.
• Drizzle with melted caramel after baking.

7. How to Store and Keep Muffins Fresh

Nothing’s worse than a stale muffin. Here’s how to keep yours fresh and soft:

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
• In the fridge: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
• In the freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. (Wrap individually for easy snacking!)
• Reheating tip: Microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that freshly-baked warmth.

8. Mini Muffin Baking Hacks

• Use a cookie scoop – This ensures even muffin sizes and less mess.
• Grease the pan even if using liners – Helps prevent sticking.
• For extra tall muffins, start baking at 375°F for 5 minutes, then lower to 350°F. This creates a high-rise bakery-style top.

9. Kid-Friendly Muffins: Fun Shapes and Decorations

Make mini muffins extra fun for kids by:

• Using fun muffin liners with cartoon prints.
• Decorating with colored sprinkles or edible glitter.
• Using silicone molds to create heart- or star-shaped muffins.

10. The Best Drinks to Pair with Mini Muffins

Mini muffins taste even better with the right drink! Try:

• Hot chocolate – The ultimate cozy pairing.
• Vanilla milkshake – A nostalgic treat.
• Iced coffee – Perfect for adults who love a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
• Strawberry smoothie – A fruity, refreshing balance to the richness of chocolate.

11. Hosting a Mini Muffin Bar

If you’re hosting brunch, create a DIY mini muffin bar!

What to Include:

• A variety of muffin flavors
• Bowls of whipped cream, melted chocolate, and caramel drizzle
• Toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, and shredded coconut

Let guests customize their muffins for an interactive, delicious experience!

12. Fun Fact: How Many Mini Muffins Equal One Regular Muffin?

Ever wonder how mini muffins compare to full-sized ones? On average, 3 mini muffins = 1 regular muffin.

That means you can eat more without feeling guilty!

Mini chocolate chip and candy muffins aren’t just a snack—they’re a bite-sized burst of joy.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, your kids, or a gathering, these little treats are guaranteed to be a hit.

Try out different flavors, mix-ins, and toppings to find your perfect combination.

Now, go grab your muffin tin and start baking!