Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

Ingredients

• 113 grams (1/2 cup, 120 milliliters) neutral oil (vegetable, canola, safflower, grapeseed)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 85 grams (6 tablespoons, 90 milliliters) milk (skim, 1%, 2%, whole, or dairy-free), room temperature
• 2 cups shredded zucchini (swap for summer squash or a combination of both if desired)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 240 grams (2 cups) whole wheat flour (swap for all-purpose flour if desired)
• 200 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 10 grams (1 tablespoon) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 175 grams (1 cup) mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. 1

   At least 30 minutes before baking, measure out...: At least 30 minutes before baking, measure out the milk (85 grams, 6 tablespoons) and set it out with the eggs (2 large) to come to room temperature.

2. 2

   Shred the zucchini and measure out 2 cups....: Shred the zucchini and measure out 2 cups. Use a paper towel to soak up the moisture.

3. 3

   Measure out the rest of the ingredients.

4. 4

   Position an oven rack to the center position....: Position an oven rack to the center position. Preheat the oven to 400°F/205°C.

5. 5

   Prep your muffin tins with muffin liners.

6. 6

   In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk together...: In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk together the oil (113 grams, ½ cup), eggs, vanilla extract (2 teaspoons), milk, orange juice (2 tablespoons), and orange zest (1 tablespoon) until well combined. Mix in the zucchini.

7. 7

   In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the...: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour (240 grams, 2 cups), sugar (200 grams, 1 cup), baking powder (10 grams, 1 tablespoon), salt (½ teaspoon), cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons), and nutmeg (¼ teaspoon).

8. 8

   Combine the wet and dry ingredients into one...: Combine the wet and dry ingredients into one bowl. Stir with a spoon or silicone spatula until just combined. This should only take about 30-45 seconds of mixing. The batter will be pretty thick and lumpy. Do not over-mix or the bread will become tough.

9. 9

   Gently fold the mini chocolate chips (175 grams,...: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips (175 grams, 1 cup) into the batter.

10. 10

    Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups,...: Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups, leaving about ½-inch from the top.

11. 11

    Bake for 16-20 minutes until lightly golden brown...: Bake for 16-20 minutes until lightly golden brown and the tops spring back when gently pushed or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check on your bake at about the halfway mark, and if it looks as though it is not baking evenly, rotate the pan.