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Christmas Morning Muffins have become a joyful tradition in my home guaranteed to make our holiday breakfast feel magical and sweet. Packed with creamy yogurt and bursts of chocolate these muffins are both decadent and festive. Whether you need a make-ahead treat or a warm bakery-style bake straight from the oven these muffins bring color and cheer to any Christmas gathering.
When I first tried these for my own family on Christmas morning I barely got them onto the table before they disappeared. Now I make an extra batch for snacking later in the day.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Eggs: Help give the muffins their light tender structure. Use large fresh eggs for the best rise.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins moist even after a couple of days. A neutral oil works best.
- Milk: Adds richness and helps everything blend smoothly. Whole milk will make them even softer.
- Water: Loosens the batter ensuring the muffins are fluffy not dense.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and brings all the sweetness together. Choose pure vanilla for the best aroma.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Infuses these muffins with extra moisture and a subtle tang. Go for full-fat if possible.
- White cake mix: Acts as a sturdy base. Use a trusted brand for consistent results.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Gives a melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Pick one without added sugar for balance.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Add classic holiday flair. Choose a brand you love for snacking.
- White chocolate chips: Bring sweet creaminess. Look for chips that melt well so you get nice pockets in every bite.
- Christmas sprinkles: Turn the whole batch festive and fun. Pick bright colorful ones that will not bleed color.
How to Make It
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line a jumbo muffin pan with 12 jumbo liners and preheat the oven to 375°F or 190°C. This helps the muffins release easily and keeps the cleanup fast on busy mornings.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- Using an electric mixer combine the eggs oil milk water and vanilla until smooth about 2 minutes. Well-beaten eggs will give your muffins a fluffy texture.
- Add the Yogurt:
- Blend Greek yogurt into the wet mixture making sure there are no lumps. This keeps your muffins moist and gives a creamy bite.
- Combine the Dry Mixes:
- Gently fold in the cake mix and instant pudding mix with a spoon. Mix only until you can no longer see dry streaks to prevent overmixing which leads to tough muffins.
- Add the Fun Ingredients:
- Carefully fold in one cup each of semisweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips along with a tablespoon of Christmas sprinkles. These create a surprise inside every muffin.
- Fill the Muffin Liners and Top:
- Divide the batter evenly between the liners filling each almost to the top. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and extra sprinkles over each muffin for a bakery-style finish.
- Bake:
- Pop into the hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Muffins are ready when the tops turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Serve them while they are still slightly warm for a gooey chocolate experience.
My favorite part is biting into a muffin and finding a huge puddle of melted white chocolate right in the middle. The first year we made these my kids covered each one with so many sprinkles it looked like Christmas confetti exploded in the kitchen.
Flavor Boosters
Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate to extend their life up to five days though texture is softest closer to baking day. If you freeze them individually they reheat perfectly in the oven or microwave making them a lifesaver for hectic mornings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these muffins warm right out of the oven or gently reheated and pair them with coffee or hot cocoa. Set up a toppings bar with whipped cream and extra sprinkles to make Christmas morning even more interactive for kids and adults alike.
Creative Twists
Change the sprinkles to match any festive occasion. Mix in orange zest and swap white cake mix for spice cake to make this a fall brunch staple. Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch and a nutty aroma.
These festive muffins are a joyful start to Christmas morning and always bring a smile to everyone at the table. Share them as gifts or keep a batch on hand for cozy holiday snacking.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt adds extra moisture and a slightly richer texture to the muffins.
- → How do I prevent muffins from becoming dry?
Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure you measure ingredients accurately. The addition of yogurt and careful mixing help keep the muffins moist.
- → Can these muffins be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store cooled muffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- → Are there substitutions for chocolate chips?
You can substitute with chopped chocolate bars, dried fruits, or omit entirely for a less sweet version. Adjust to personal preference.
- → What is the best way to decorate the muffin tops?
Sprinkle additional chocolate chips and Christmas sprinkles on top of the batter before baking for a festive finish.