Delicious Mulled Wine Muffins Recipe to Try Today
One of my utmost favorite things about winter is indulging in a steaming cup of mulled wine on chilly evenings. That comforting aroma of warm, spiced wine makes me feel all cozy and warm inside. So, I thought to myself, what could be better than combining the comforting flavors of mulled wine with soft, fluffy muffins?
This recipe for Mulled Wine Muffins is one you absolutely must try! Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at holiday gatherings or craving something sweet and decadent for yourself, these muffins are guaranteed to please any palate. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make with simple ingredients that most home bakers have on hand! So why not give them a go? Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for Mulled Wine Muffins is definitely one you wouldn’t want to miss! Imagine a moist and delicious muffin infused with warm flavors of mulled wine – this recipe will surely be the star of your dessert table.
The ingredient list may seem a bit more elaborate than typical muffin recipes but it’s worth it because the combination of spices, red wine, and port wine create the perfect balance of flavor in each bite. The addition of plain yogurt gives the muffins an extra layer of richness, while the subtle taste of orange in the recipe adds a bright, citrusy note.
For those who love dark chocolate, this recipe is also a must-try. The chocolate chunks that are folded into the batter provide a tasty surprise with each bite.
Now you might be thinking, why choose these muffins over other cupcake or cake recipes? Well, not only are these muffins unique and flavorful, but they’re also versatile. They can be served as a dessert item for any occasion or even as a sweet snack with your morning coffee.
In addition to their great flavor profile, these mulled wine muffins are also easy to make. With simple instructions that require few tools, anyone with minimal baking experience can whip these up in their own kitchen.
So if you’re looking for a way to add some spice and warmth to your desserts this season, give this recipe for Mulled Wine Muffins a chance. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you will need to make these delicious Mulled Wine Muffins:
- 175 g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon stick, ground (or 1 whole cinnamon stick, ground)
- 2 whole cloves, crushed
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅛ cup vegetable oil
- zest of half an orange (around 1 tsp of orange zest)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup mulled wine*
- Dark chocolate chips
- *For the mulled wine:
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- zest of one orange peel (or Clementine)
- 1/2 cup port wine
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp honey
Note: If you don’t have mulled wine, you can substitute it by mixing equal parts of red wine and port.
The Recipe How-To
- 175 g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsps cinnamon powder
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Whole cloves
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅛ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 150 ml mulled wine
- 80 ml plain yogurt
Instructions
- To make the recipe, start by preheating the oven to one of gas mark four (or equivalent).
- Whisk together the egg, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Once it is mixed well with no lumps, add in the plain yogurt and vanilla extract.
- Add in the flour and baking powder a little bit at a time until it’s all incorporated into the batter.
- In another saucepan or pot, heat up the mulled wine on low heat until it’s warm but not boiling yet. Add in some whole cloves and a cinnamon stick for an extra kick.
- Add this warm mulled wine mixture to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
- Mix everything together until you have a smooth batter without any lumps.
Baking Mulled Wine Muffins
- Line muffin cups with paper liners or grease a muffin tray.
- Using an ice cream scoop, spoon your batter into each liner or tray section, filling each three-quarters of the way full.
- Bake for around 20 minutes or until done when tested with toothpick.
- Allow the mulled wine muffins to cool before glazing them.
Quick Glaze Recipe
Mix some powdered sugar and cinnamon powder together in a small mixing bowl, then add in some water tablespoons at a time until it creates a smooth consistency.
Now that you have made this delicious mulled wine muffins recipe, serve them immediately and enjoy them with your friends and family.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling creative and want to experiment with some substitutions and variations on this mulled wine muffin recipe, here are a few ideas:
– Instead of port wine, try using any other type of sweet or fortified wine for a different flavor profile. You could use a sherry or a Marsala, for example.
– If you don’t have whole cloves or cinnamon sticks on hand, you can use ground spices instead. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and adjust to taste.
– For a slightly healthier twist, you could swap out some or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser.
– If you don’t have plain yogurt on hand, you could try substituting sour cream or buttermilk for similar results.
– For an extra chocolatey version of these muffins, fold in some chopped dark chocolate to the batter along with the mulled wine mixture.
– To make these into cupcakes instead of muffins, simply prepare the batter as directed and spoon it into cupcake liners in a muffin tin. Bake at the same temperature and time as the muffins.
– Finally, if you want to get really fancy, you can make a mulled wine buttercream frosting to top these muffins. Simply combine softened butter with powdered sugar, a splash of red wine and your favorite spices from the recipe. Beat until smooth and creamy, then pipe onto cooled muffins using a bag and frosting tip.
No matter how you decide to mix things up, these mulled wine muffins will be sure to impress your friends and family with their festive flavor and aroma!
Serving and Pairing
Once your mulled wine muffins are baked and cooled, they make a delicious and festive treat for the holiday season. The spiced mulled wine flavor pairs perfectly with cozy winter meals or as a snack to go along with your hot beverage.
Serve them as is, or add a dollop of sweetened plain yogurt on top and sprinkle with cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth. If you’re feeling indulgent, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over the muffins before serving.
When it comes to pairing these rich wine cupcakes, reach for a port wine or a full-bodied red like a Cabernet Sauvignon. The warm spices in the muffins complement the subtly sweet notes in these wines, resulting in a truly delightful experience.
For a non-alcoholic alternative that still captures the essence of mulled wine, try serving them alongside a cup of hot chocolate made with whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange zest.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to indulge in something special at home, these mulled wine muffins are sure to be a hit. They’re versatile enough to serve as dessert or an afternoon snack and pair well with many different beverages – so go ahead and experiment!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These mulled wine muffins are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be kept for a few days in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re planning to serve them later or want to make a big batch ahead of time, here are some tips on how to store and reheat them.
To store the muffins, wait until they are completely cooled, then place them in an airtight container, making sure they aren’t squished together. You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap before putting them in the container. They will stay moist for up to two days.
If you want to reheat the muffins, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and transfer them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 5-7 minutes or until they feel warm and soft again. Another option is to microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it as they can become rubbery when reheated this way.
These muffins can also be frozen for up to three months if you want to keep them for longer. Wrap each one in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. To defrost, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating as instructed above.
One thing to keep in mind is that these muffins are quite delicate due to the moisture from the wine and yogurt. Don’t stack them on top of each other or pack them too tightly, or else they may lose their shape or texture.
Overall, these mulled wine muffins are a great option for those who love both wine and baked goods. With their warming spices and delicious chocolate flavor, they’re perfect for winter holidays or cozy nights in.
Tips for Perfect Results
For perfect results with this mulled wine muffin recipe, it’s essential to pay attention to a few key tips. Here are some of my best tips to help you achieve the most delicious and moist muffins.
Firstly, avoid overmixing the ingredients. When you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, use a spatula and gently mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough and dry muffins.
Secondly, don’t overbake them! It’s better to underbake slightly as they will continue cooking as they cool down outside of the oven. You know that they are ready when you insert a toothpick into the center of the muffin, and it comes out clean.
Thirdly, use good quality ingredients such as high-quality cocoa powder and wine. This step is key in getting maximum flavor from your muffins.
Fourthly, let the muffins rest in the tray for at least 5 minutes before removing them from their molds. Giving them time for setting will help them release easier from their liners.
Finally, make sure to top the muffins with generous dollops of wine buttercream frosting or powdered sugar for added sweetness and flavor. These toppings will complement and enhance the flavors of mulled wine cupcakes beautifully.
By simply following these tips, you’ll end up with perfect mulled wine muffins every time!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make these delicious Mulled Wine Muffins, you may have some questions. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you achieve the perfect results every time.
What’s the difference between hot wine and mulled wine?
There are various names used to refer to mulled wine, such as glögg, vin chaud, spiced wine, hot wine, and glühwein. Although the spices and type of alcohol involved may differ according to location, they refer to the same beverage.
What is the best wine to make mulled wine?
When it comes to mulled wine, it’s important to choose a wine that can complement the bold sweetness and spice of the hot drink. Medium-bodied wines with rich fruit flavors and minimal oak aging would be the best match. Some good options to consider are a Chilean Merlot, a Zinfandel from California or a Grenache hailing from Spain.
Can you use turned wine for mulled wine?
Transforming wine into a mulled beverage is a clever way to mask its acidity with the help of a unique blend of spices. Rest assured, you can even use leftover wine to whip up this concoction, and it’ll save you from popping open a new bottle.
What to add to pre bought mulled wine?
Enhancing the flavors and aromas of a delicious glass of red wine can take it to another level of enjoyment. One way to achieve this is by adding extra ingredients to the glass, such as a cinnamon stick, or an orange slice, which can give it a subtle sweet taste. Another option is to stud a piece of orange peel with cloves, allowing the spicy notes to infuse with the wine. You can also experiment with adding star anise, a brightly-colored berry or a few cherries, as they can introduce new textures and flavors to the wine, making it more dynamic and exciting to taste.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this mulled wine muffin recipe is the perfect indulgence for any wine lover or sweet tooth. The warm and aromatic flavors of the mulled wine make these muffins perfect for colder months and holiday festivities. The addition of dark chocolate chunks takes these muffins to the next level, adding a rich and decadent flavor to an already impressive dessert.
Moreover, this recipe can easily be modified with different variations of wine, spices, or even toppings. You can also pair them with a hot cup of mulled wine or a glass of red wine for a truly festive experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, try baking this recipe as cupcakes and top them off with a rich wine buttercream frosting.
Overall, this recipe is versatile, easy to follow, and bound to impress anyone who tries them. Don’t hesitate to treat yourself or your loved ones to these delicious mulled wine muffins – they are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet cravings and elevate your next holiday celebration. Cheers!
Mulled Wine Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
For the mulled wine
- 1 orange, zest of (please make sure to use an organic orange for this)
- 150 ml red wine (can use dark grape juice instead of the wine)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 4 tablespoons port wine
For the muffins
- 100 g spekulatius cookie crumbs (or other hard cookie crumbs)
- 250 g flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- additional spices (if using)
- 100 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 5 tablespoons oil
- 150 g plain yogurt
Instructions
- In a saucepan combine orange zest, cloves, cinnamon, sugar and red wine. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes stirring constantly. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly (2 min.) and then add the 4 tbs of port wine. Remove the cinnamon stick and the cloves using a slotted spoon.
- In a big bowl combine flour, baking powder, cookie crumbs, salt, additional spices (if using) and chopped chocolate.
- In a second bowl combine cooled mulled wine, eggs, oil and yogurt. Add this to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour into prepared muffin tins and bake in the preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for 20-25 minutes.