Front Burner

These cute and delicious little muffins were so incredibly easy to make. So easy and quick, in fact, that I decided to whip them up one night while Joe was putting the kids in bed. I managed to mix the batter, bake them, clean up the mess and had them cooling on a rack by the time Joe bathed the kids, read them a story and came downstairs. THAT easy :) Not too bad on the taste buds either...

Cafe Mocha Mini Muffins

2 tsp. instant coffee granules
1/3 cup boiling water
1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
3 Tbsp. butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. baking cocoa
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided

In a small bowl, dissolve coffee granules in water. Stir in oats; set aside. In a small bowl, cream butter and sugars. Beat in egg yolk, vanilla and oat mixture. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to oat mixture until moistened. Stir in 1/3 cup chocolate chips.

Coat mini muffin cups with cooking spray or use paper liners; fill three-fourths full with batter. Sprinkle with remaining chips. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire rack to cool completely.