Halloween muffins

30 min
Halloween muffins

It is time for a spooky treat. Meet our Halloween muffins, where rich dark chocolate and a buttery crumb blend perfectly for just the right amount of sweetness. These muffins are topped with irresistible chocolate glaze and decorated with liquorice spider legs and French pastille eyes for a festive look. This is a must-try Halloween bake!

Ingredients

Muffins

250 g Plain flour
2 tsp Baking powder
100 g Caster sugar
2 Eggs
200 ml Skimmed milk
75 g Dark chocolate (about 55% cocoa)
75 g Butter

Chocolate glaze

100 g Dark chocolate (about 55% cocoa)
15 g Butter
Soft liquorices strips or sticks
Chocolate buttons

Instructions

Muffins

  • Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
  • Mix the dry ingredients together.
  • Beat eggs and milk, then mix into the dry ingredients.
  • Melt chocolate with butter and add it to the batter.
  • Divide the batter into 12 greased muffin cases (paper or metal).
  • Bake on the middle rack of the oven for about 20 minutes.
  • Let the muffins cool on a wire rack.

Chocolate glaze

  • Melt chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
  • Spread the glaze over the cooled muffins and decorate with the liquorice strips to make spider legs and sugar-coated chocolate buttons for eyes.

Recipe tips

It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes

Pick a good-quality dark chocolate with at least 55% cocoa, which gives a deep, slightly bitter flavour that balances the sweetness of the batter. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use milk chocolate instead, but keep in mind it has a higher sugar and fat content. This can make the muffins taste sweeter and slightly softer, so you may want to reduce the sugar in the batter a little.

Bring your eggs, milk, and butter to room temperature. That way, they blend together more easily, helping the batter trap air and rise properly. Cold ingredients can cause the mixture to curdle and lead to dense muffins. Take them out of the fridge about an hour before baking and let the butter soften naturally.

A simple toothpick test shows when your muffins are ready. Insert one into the centre; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are done. You can also press the top gently; it should spring back. Start checking at around 18 minutes, and cool the muffins on a wire rack to prevent overbaking from the residual heat.

FAQ: Questions about Halloween muffins

Making Halloween muffins is a fun baking adventure, and here we answer the most common questions. Learn how to melt chocolate properly, keep your muffins moist, and avoid the usual pitfalls so you get the best results every time.

What is the best way to melt chocolate and butter together?

The best way to melt chocolate and butter together is by using a double-boiler method. For the muffin batter, place 75 g of dark chocolate and 75 g of butter into a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Make sure the bowl does not touch the water. Stir often until it is smooth. A fast option is to use the microwave. Combine chopped chocolate and cubed butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat at medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring each time. Stop as soon as the mixture is smooth to avoid overheating. Both methods work well for the muffin batter and the glaze, though the double boiler gives the most reliable results.

How do I prevent my glaze from melting?

Prevent your chocolate-butter glaze from melting by adding it after the muffins have cooled completely. Once glazed, chill the Halloween muffins briefly in the fridge to help the coating set. When serving, keep them out of direct heat or sunlight, and if you are transporting them, use an insulated container or ice packs. Keeping the temperature steady from start to finish is the key to a firm, stable glaze.

Can I make Halloween muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Halloween muffins ahead of time. Store cooled muffins in an airtight container lined with baking paper, with another sheet on top, and keep at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed muffins. Wrap each one tightly in cling film, place in a freezer-safe bag, and keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then add the chocolate glaze and decorations just before serving.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

2158 Kcal

Fibre - 2.5 gram fibers
Protein 8.9 47.2 gram
Fat 61.5 150 gram
Carbohydrates 29.6 157.4 gram

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Bake Halloween muffins shaped like spiders

Bring out the fun of baking with the Halloween muffins shaped like cute spiders. The muffins are made with dark chocolate and have a glossy glaze. But it is the playful decorations that make them fitting for your next party. Stuff liquorice strips into the sides of the muffins to form the spider legs, then place little French pastilles or sugar-coated chocolate buttons on top for eyes. You can play around with the length of the legs and turn a beloved treat into a creepy October treat.

Rich chocolate muffins with a soft crumb

These muffins are a true treat for chocolate lovers. Melted dark chocolate and butter keep the crumb tender and moist, while eggs, flour, and sugar give a light but satisfying rise. Choose chocolate with at least 55% cocoa for a bold, bittersweet flavour. They are incredibly indulgent and make the perfect base for your Halloween spider muffins.

Glossy dark chocolate glaze

The Halloween muffins are topped with a smooth, chocolate glaze. The glaze sets just enough to hold decorations in place but still gives the muffins that melt-in-the-mouth finish when you bite into them. It deepens the chocolate flavour and makes the muffins feel even more indulgent. The glaze brings out the best in the chocolate while giving the muffins a sleek finish.

Easy bake for spooky parties and trick-or-treaters

One of the best things about these Halloween muffins is how easy they are to make. The recipe requires only a few pantry staples, and the decorating is simple enough that children can join in, too. You can bake a whole batch in under an hour, leaving plenty of time to focus on other party preparations.

Their individual size makes them perfect for handing out to trick-or-treaters or setting them out on a party platter. They are practical and festive, which is exactly the kind of bake you want on your Halloween table.

Also, try making Halloween cupcakes, witch finger cookies, a ghost cake, or a graveyard cake. They are all delicious and ready for a themed party.

Make your Halloween muffins one of a kind

Once you have baked the Halloween muffins, you can get creative with the decorating. Swap liquorice for pretzel sticks if you like a crunchier bite, or choose colourful candies for playful spider eyes. A hidden surprise, like a spoonful of raspberry jam or a creamy filling, can make each muffin even more exciting.

For extra flavour, add warm spices such as cinnamon or ginger to the batter, or fold in chopped nuts for texture. Also, experiment with icing in shades of orange, green, or purple to give your spiders a fun Halloween glow. These variations let you adapt the recipe to different tastes while keeping the festive theme alive.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/halloween-muffins/