Costco Copycat Chocolate Muffins with Cinnamon and Chocolate Chips

Prep: 10 minCook: 23 min6 muffinsmediumAmerican
Costco Copycat Chocolate Muffins with Cinnamon and Chocolate Chips

These rich, bakery-style chocolate muffins recreate the beloved Costco version with their signature tender crumb and generous chocolate chips. The addition of hot water creates an ultra-moist texture, while cinnamon adds warmth to complement the cocoa. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, these jumbo-sized muffins deliver the same indulgent experience as the original. The batter may seem thin when adding the hot water, but this technique ensures the final muffins are incredibly soft and fudgy.

Ingredients

Yield: 6 muffins
  • ¼ cup white sugar
    erythritol1:1 ratioketolow-carb

    may affect texture

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup flour
    almond flour3:4 ratiogluten-freeketogluten-free

    reduces structure

    Full guide →
  • cup cocoa powder
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 egg
    flax egg1:1 ratioveganeggs-free

    may affect rise

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup milk
    almond milk1:1 ratiodairy-freevegandairy-free

    similar results

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup oil
  • ½ cup hot water
  • ¾ cup chocolate chips
  • chocolate chips, for topping(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven and prepare jumbo muffin pan with liners or cooking spray

  2. 2

    Mix all dry ingredients in stand mixer bowl with paddle attachment on medium speed

  3. 3

    Gradually add egg, milk, and oil, mixing until incorporated

  4. 4

    Remove bowl from mixer and stir in hot water until incorporated

  5. 5

    Fold in chocolate chips

  6. 6

    Fill muffin wells just above half-full with batter

  7. 7

    Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top

  8. 8

    Bake until done

  9. 9

    Cool before serving

Tips

Tip 1

The batter will be thin after adding hot water - this is correct and creates the moist texture.

Tip 2

Use jumbo muffin pans for authentic Costco-sized muffins, or adjust baking time for standard size.

Tip 3

Don't overfill the wells to prevent overflow during baking.

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Make Ahead

Can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered. Freeze baked muffins for up to 3 months.

Serve With

Serve at room temperature or warm briefly in microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overmix after adding wet ingredients to avoid tough muffins.

Watch

Don't skip the hot water - it's essential for the moist texture.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

milk
almond milk1:1 ratiodairy-freevegandairy-free

similar results

Full guide →

Vegan Options

egg
flax egg1:1 ratioveganeggs-free

may affect rise

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

all-purpose flour
almond flour3:4 ratiogluten-freeketogluten-free

reduces structure

Full guide →

General Alternatives

white sugar
erythritol1:1 ratioketolow-carb

may affect texture

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use regular-sized muffin pans?

Yes, but reduce baking time to 18-20 minutes and check with a toothpick for doneness.

What if I don't have a stand mixer?

You can mix by hand with a whisk, but ensure dry ingredients are well combined before adding wet.

How long do these muffins keep?

They stay fresh for 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week refrigerated in an airtight container.