Light, airy, moist and filled with chocolate.
There’s something special about a recipe that comes straight from a rural kitchen – especially one that’s nestled deep in the heart of Aotearoa’s high country. Kate, who farms at the breathtaking Matukituki Station, shared her chocolate muffin recipe with me, and honestly… it was too good not to pass on.

These chocolate muffins are the kind that disappear before they’ve even cooled. Light, fluffy, and beautifully moist, they strike the perfect balance between rich cocoa flavour and the melty goodness of chocolate chips. Whether it’s for a smoko break, a school lunchbox filler, or a sweet treat with your afternoon cuppa, these muffins are pure comfort in a paper case.
There are plenty more muffin recipes on my website if you are looking for other flavours.
And like all the best baking, this recipe has the taste of home. Made with love (and a generous handful of choc chips), Kate’s muffins have become a staple at Matukituki Station – and I have no doubt they’ll soon become a favourite in your kitchen too.

Why You’ll Love Kate’s Chocolate Muffins:
- Light, fluffy, and moist – never dry or heavy
- Loaded with chocolate chips for the perfect bite
- Simple to make with everyday pantry staples
- Freezer-friendly (if they last that long!)
- Farm-tested and family-approved
FAQs about Chocolate Muffins:
1. How do I keep chocolate muffins moist?
The key is not overmixing the batter and keeping an eye on baking time. Kate’s recipe nails it – perfectly soft and fluffy every time.
2. Can I freeze chocolate muffins?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap them individually and pop them in the freezer. They defrost beautifully for lunchboxes or snacks on the go.
3. What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Kate uses dark chocolate chips, but milk or even white chocolate work a treat too. You can even mix them for a triple choc hit!
4. Can I add anything else to the mix?
You sure can – chopped nuts, a swirl of peanut butter, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top all add a delicious twist.
5. What makes these muffins different from cupcakes?
Muffins are less sweet and have a more dense crumb than cupcakes. These ones are fluffy but hearty – the perfect cross between indulgent and wholesome.

If you give Kate’s chocolate muffins a go, let me know! There’s something so grounding about sharing recipes from station kitchens – where every ingredient has a purpose, and every bake tells a story.
Kate’s Double Chocolate Muffins
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Dough whisk
- 1 dozen muffin cases or baking tray
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of plain flour 225 grams
- 1/2 cup cocoa 50 grams
- 3/4 cup sugar 150 grams
- 1 Tbsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1 cup of chocolate chips 170 grams
- 1 cup of milk 250mls
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup of cooking oil 84 mls
- 1 tsp of vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 ℃
- Place the ingredients into a bowl in order of the ingredient list.
- Gently combine the ingredients using a dough whisk or wooden spoon.
- Fill your muffin tray/cases (this recipe makes 12) and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven once each muffin bounces back when you press gently on the top.

