Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

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These easy orange chocolate chip muffins feature the classic combo of orange and rich dark chocolate. Made with tangy Greek yogurt and olive oil, they are wholesome, moist, and tender.

Is there anything better than the smell of fresh muffins baking in the oven? Fall is the perfect time to start testing out new recipes to add to my holiday line-up. And if there are two flavors I absolutely can’t skip in my baking, it’s orange and chocolate.

Even though I already have a mandarin orange muffin and an orange cranberry oatmeal muffin recipe on the site, I wanted one that was just a wee bit more indulgent and chocolate chips are our go-to mix-in around here. There’s something about the combination of citrusy orange and rich chocolate that just hits the spot, especially in the form of a freshly baked muffin!

Terry’s Chocolate Oranges are a nostalgic holiday treat from my childhood that kickstarted my love of this flavor combo. Apparently sales of chocolate oranges have tripled in the US from 2019 to 2022, so I guess its popularity is on the rise!

If you’ve been here for a while you know how much we love orange around here. It all started with this orange layer cake that I made every year for my dad’s birthday. This cake is so beloved that – believe it or not – my kids request it for their own birthdays!

Since then, orange has found its way in so many of my baked goods. Whether it’s these fluffy orange cupcakes or this moist and fluffy orange loaf cake, or these orange shortbread cookies, there’s something about the bright, juicy flavor of oranges that we can’t get enough of.

Based on my lemon muffin recipe, These muffins are soft, moist, and packed with orange flavor, thanks to the zest and fresh juice, with just the right amount of chocolate chips to keep things sweet.

So whether you’re planning a holiday brunch or just need a sweet afternoon snack, these muffins are the perfect way to celebrate both of these favorite flavors.

Why You’ll Love these Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

They’re Incredibly Moist and Tender. The addition of yogurt and olive oil gives these muffins their beautifully soft and tender texture.

They’re Quick and Easy to Make. This muffin recipe is straightforward and uses simple pantry staples, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute baking.

They’re Make-Ahead Friendly. These orange chocolate chip muffins freeze wonderfully, so you can always have some on hand for those hectic mornings when you need something delicious and homemade!

Ingredient Notes

Granulated Sugar

I think granulated sugar works best in these orange chocolate chip muffins as it helps create a tender crumb. If you prefer, you can substitute with light brown sugar for a slightly deeper flavor.

Orange Zest

Freshly grated zest is key for the bright, citrusy punch that makes these orange chocolate muffins shine. It’s where the real orange flavor comes from, so don’t skip it!

All-Purpose Flour

I like to use all purpose flour but, you can swap half of the flour with whole wheat flour if you like. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.

Baking Powder

You need baking powder to give the muffins a nice lift and that perfect fluffy texture! Don’t substitute this with baking soda—they’re not interchangeable.

Greek Yogurt

I love adding Greek yogurt to these orange chocolate chip muffins as it adds moisture, tanginess, and richness, which pairs wonderfully with the citrus and chocolate.

You can substitute with regular yogurt if that’s what you have on hand, and sour cream makes a good swap as well. For a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt.

Orange Juice

Freshly squeezed for that extra citrus flavor boost. If you’re short on oranges, you can use store-bought juice, but fresh is always best for that vibrant zing.

Vanilla Extract

Adds warmth and depth to the muffins. You could also experiment with almond extract if you’re feeling adventurous, but start with half the amount since it’s stronger.

Olive Oil

Keeps the muffins tender and moist with a subtle richness. If you prefer a more neutral flavor, swap it out for vegetable or canola oil.

Eggs & Egg Yolk

Apart from the two large eggs, I also add in an extra yolk to make these muffins extra-tender, and add some additional natural orange color.

Dark Chocolate Chips

The slightly bitter notes of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips add a rich, indulgent contrast to the bright orange flavor in this orange chocolate chip muffins recipe.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 12-cup muffin pan.

1. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and orange zest until well combined. This step helps to release the orange oils for maximum flavor.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sugar-zest mixture, eggs, egg yolk, orange juice, vanilla extract, and olive oil until smooth.

1. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined and fold in the chocolate chips.

1. Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if desired.

1. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

1. Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips to Make the Best Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

• When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing leads to dense, tough muffins, which nobody wants! Some lumps are okay!

• Room temperature eggs, yogurt, and other dairy work best. This helps the batter comes together smoothly and results in fluffier muffins.

• This recipe makes just enough batter to fill the muffin tin about ¾ full for a nice rise without spilling over.

• Every oven is different, so start checking your muffins at the 15-minute mark to avoid over-baking.

• Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Recipe Substitutions

For dairy-free muffins: Substitute the Greek yogurt with any dairy-free yogurt of your choice like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt!

Also make sure your chocolate chips are non-dairy!

For gluten-free muffins: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

For vegan muffins: For vegan orange chocolate chips muffins, use the dairy-free substitutions and replace your eggs with flax eggs. I haven’t tried this recipe with flax eggs so I can’t be sure of the texture, but please report back if you try it!

Storage Instructions

You can store these orange chocolate chip muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to avoid moisture build-up!

Rather than refrigerating these muffins, I recommend freezing them as they freeze really well. You can place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or heat briefly in the oven for freshness.