Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins, also known as homemade Little Bites, are the perfect answer to store-bought snack cravings. These soft and fluffy muffins come together with simple pantry ingredients and make a perfect bite-sized treat for all ages. Perfect for quick breakfasts, lunchbox additions, after-school snacks, or party trays, these muffins offer classic, nostalgic flavor with the joy of home baking. The addition of sour cream keeps them incredibly moist, and the mini chocolate chips bring the perfect amount of sweetness to every bite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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½ cup sour cream
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½ cup mini chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a separate large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and sour cream until well combined.
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Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
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Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
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Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, fill each mini muffin cup about ¾ full with batter.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 125 kcal | Servings: 24 mini muffins
A Childhood Favorite Reimagined
Mini chocolate chip muffins, popularly known as “Little Bites,” are a beloved snack that many grew up enjoying. Originally sold in pre-packaged pouches, these bite-sized treats became a staple in lunchboxes, road trips, and afternoon snacks. Their soft texture, rich chocolatey bits, and convenient size made them an instant hit with kids and adults alike. But while store-bought versions are convenient, the homemade version offers unbeatable freshness, flavor, and control over ingredients—without sacrificing the nostalgic taste we all love.
Simple Ingredients, Incredible Results
One of the most appealing things about this recipe is how accessible and straightforward it is. With just a handful of common pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and mini chocolate chips, you can whip up a batch of these delicious muffins in under 30 minutes. The addition of sour cream is a game changer—it ensures a super moist texture while giving the muffins a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. No special equipment or baking expertise is needed, making this recipe perfect for beginners or anyone craving a fuss-free baking experience.
Better Than Store-Bought
Let’s face it: store-bought snacks often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and unnecessary additives to extend shelf life. When you make Little Bites muffins at home, you skip the chemicals and keep the goodness. You get the freedom to use high-quality ingredients like real butter, pure vanilla extract, and premium mini chocolate chips. The result? A fresher, softer, more flavorful muffin that feels like a homemade hug.
Additionally, you can reduce the sugar or substitute it with healthier options, use whole wheat flour for extra fiber, or even swap in dairy-free alternatives if needed. You can adapt this recipe to suit your lifestyle while keeping the signature soft, moist, and sweet profile that makes these muffins so addictive.
Portion-Controlled Snacking Made Easy
Another benefit of mini muffins is portion control. Unlike full-sized bakery muffins that can pack in over 400–500 calories each, these mini muffins average around 125 calories per piece. You can enjoy a couple of them with your morning coffee or give your kids a satisfying snack without going overboard. They’re also great for hosting parties or brunches where smaller portions are more manageable and appreciated.
Whether you’re snacking mindfully or offering variety at a gathering, mini muffins provide the perfect balance between indulgence and moderation.
Perfect for Kids and Lunchboxes
This recipe is a parent’s best friend. Kids absolutely love these bite-sized muffins, and parents love that they’re homemade and preservative-free. Their soft texture makes them easy for little ones to eat, and they fit perfectly in lunchboxes, snack containers, or bento boxes.
You can even bake a double batch and freeze half for later. Just pop a few in the microwave or lunchbox in the morning, and they’ll be ready to eat by snack time. They thaw beautifully and retain their moisture, making them a convenient grab-and-go option during busy weekdays.
A Fun Baking Activity for the Whole Family
These muffins aren’t just tasty—they’re also fun to make. The simple steps are ideal for involving children in the kitchen. Kids can measure ingredients, stir the batter, or drop in the chocolate chips. The quick bake time means there’s not a long wait to enjoy the final product, making it a rewarding and educational kitchen activity for families.
Baking together fosters quality time and teaches kids valuable skills, like measuring, patience, and the joy of creating something from scratch. It also encourages kids to try new foods when they’ve helped make them.
Highly Versatile for Customization
While chocolate chip is the classic flavor, the base muffin batter is endlessly customizable. Want a fruity version? Fold in blueberries or chopped strawberries. Looking for more indulgence? Add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella. You can even mix in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a pinch of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
This adaptability makes the recipe a great base for all kinds of mini muffins tailored to your taste or occasion. Try themed muffin batches for holidays, birthday parties, or school events. The options are limitless, and once you’ve nailed the base recipe, it becomes your canvas for culinary creativity.
Budget-Friendly Baking
One overlooked benefit of baking these muffins at home is how much more affordable they are compared to their packaged counterparts. A box of store-bought mini muffins may contain just five small pouches, but with this homemade version, you’ll get two dozen muffins at a fraction of the price. Using basic ingredients you likely already have at home, you can stretch your baking dollar while feeding more people.
Plus, since you’re making them fresh, you avoid the cost and waste of unnecessary packaging, making this an environmentally conscious and wallet-friendly choice.
Stays Moist and Delicious for Days
Thanks to the inclusion of sour cream, these muffins remain moist and tender for several days without drying out. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll maintain their soft texture for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, they freeze exceptionally well—simply wrap and freeze, then reheat gently as needed.
This makes them perfect for meal prepping, weekend baking, or preparing snacks ahead of time for school, work, or travel.
Conclusion
Homemade Little Bites Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins offer the perfect blend of nostalgia, flavor, and wholesome baking. They’re quick to make, budget-friendly, and ideal for every age group and occasion. Whether you’re baking for your kids, prepping a sweet snack, or simply treating yourself, these muffins deliver big joy in a small package. Once you try making them at home, you may never go back to the store-bought version again. Soft, moist, and packed with chocolatey goodness—this recipe is proof that sometimes, the best things really do come in small bites.