These were easy to put together and quite beautiful when they popped out of the oven…high risers and enticing splits…the sanding sugar on top helped too! I feel like the sanding sugar is always listed as optional, but really is it haha. It really elevates whatever you use it on!
We are told these muffins could also be considered a grown up cupcake…no frosting and not too sweet…but a nice afternoon treat. The muffins are both chocolatey, and coffee flavored but neither super strongly. I did opt to only use the coffee extract and not also add in the instant coffee so that might have helped keep these flavors more in balance. My husband and I both commented that we couldn’t figure out exactly what the flavor did taste like…although we both really liked it!
These were a winner!
Is this a keeper? 
Such a pretty crackle on top!
Totally agree “high risers and enticing splits” and sanding sugar is always welcome.
The sanding sugar is always a pretty trick for something plain-looking. I have to remember doing that.
Can’t wait to make these! And I need to order sanding sugar!
Agreed – these are good, but you can barely taste the coffee.
Your muffins look beautiful. Glad this recipe was a winner. I can’t wait to make them next week.
Agree. Neither flavor was strong and I used the ground coffee and the extract. Lovely muffins.