A Warm Kitchen on Christmas Morning
I love a quiet kitchen on Christmas morning. The tree lights are still on. Everyone else is asleep. That is the perfect time to bake. These muffins fill the house with a sweet, cozy smell. It tells the family a treat is coming. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
I started this tradition years ago. My grandson, Sam, was just a toddler. He would wander in, rubbing his eyes. The warm muffin in his hand made him smile. I still laugh at that sleepy, chocolatey grin. That is why this matters. Food can turn a simple morning into a sweet memory.
The Magic of Very Ripe Bananas
Do not use yellow bananas for this. You need the spotted, brown ones. They look a bit sad in the fruit bowl. But trust me, they are sweet and soft. They make the muffins moist without being heavy.
Mash them well with a fork. It should look like lumpy pudding. This is the heart of your batter. Fun fact: Those brown spots mean the starches have turned to sugar. That is nature’s sweet gift. What is your favorite way to use up ripe bananas? I would love to know.
Swirling in the Joy
The Nutella swirl is the best part. You just drop a teaspoon on top. Then take a toothpick and give it a little swirl. Do not mix it in all the way. You want pockets of chocolate-hazelnut surprise.
This step matters. It makes the muffins special. It feels like you are hiding a little present inside each one. It is not just a muffin anymore. It is a treasure hunt for your taste buds. Do you like your swirls big and bold, or small and secret?
A Handful of Crunch
Toasted hazelnuts are the final touch. They add a lovely crunch. It is like a little happy dance in your mouth. The nutty flavor is friends with the chocolate.
If you do not have hazelnuts, walnuts work too. Or you can leave them out. But I think that crunch is important. It gives your teeth something fun to do. It makes the soft muffin even better. Do you prefer nuts in your baked goods, or not?
Sharing the Warmth
Let the muffins cool just a bit. Then, serve them warm. The Nutella will be soft and gooey. The banana flavor will be cozy and sweet. It is a hug in food form.
This is not just about eating. It is about sharing warmth. A plate of these says “I am glad you are here.” That is a good feeling to bake into any day, Christmas or not. I hope you try them and make your own morning memories.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| unbleached all-purpose flour | 2 cups | |
| granulated sugar | ¾ cup | |
| baking soda | ¾ teaspoon | |
| table salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| very ripe bananas, mashed well | 3 (approx. 1½ cups) | |
| plain yogurt | ¼ cup | |
| large eggs, lightly beaten | 2 | |
| unsalted butter, melted and cooled | 6 tablespoons | |
| vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped | ¼ cup | |
| Nutella | ¼ cup | For swirling on top |
Nutella Banana Christmas Morning Muffins
Good morning, my dear. Let’s make a special treat. These muffins are pure joy on a plate. I love the smell of banana and toasted nuts. It reminds me of my own grandmother’s kitchen. She always had something warm waiting for us. Doesn’t that smell amazing? These are perfect for a sleepy holiday morning. Everyone will gather in the kitchen, I promise. The Nutella swirl is like a little secret inside. I still laugh at how fast my grandchildren find them.
Instructions
Step 1: First, turn your oven to 350°F. Line your muffin tin with paper cups. This gets everything ready for our happy batter. A warm oven makes for the best rise. (A little spray on the cups helps them peel easily later).
Step 2: Grab a big bowl for the dry things. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt together. This mixes everything so nicely. In another bowl, mash those ripe bananas well. They should be sweet and speckled. What does overmixing do to muffins? Share below!
Step 3: Now, mix the wet ingredients with the bananas. Add the yogurt, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir it until it looks smooth. Pour this into your dry ingredients. Gently fold them together. A few lumps are just fine, I promise.
Step 4: Time for the crunchy bit! Fold in your toasted hazelnuts. They add such a lovely texture. Then, spoon the batter into your muffin cups. Top each one with a teaspoon of Nutella. Swirl it with a toothpick for a pretty marble.
Step 5: Bake them for about 22 minutes. They will turn a beautiful golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when they’re done. Let them cool for just a minute in the tin. Then move them to a rack. The hardest part is waiting to take a bite.
Creative Twists
Swap the nuts. Try chopped walnuts or pecans instead of hazelnuts. They are just as cozy.
Make them mini. Use a mini muffin tin for a party. Bake for only 12-15 minutes.
Add a sprinkle. Before baking, add a pinch of sea salt on top. It makes the chocolate taste even sweeter.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve these muffins warm on a big platter. A dollop of whipped cream makes them extra festive. For a real treat, add some fresh berries on the side. The tart berries love the sweet muffin. For a drink, a cold glass of milk is perfect. For the grown-ups, a hot mug of coffee with hazelnut creamer is lovely. It echoes the flavors in the muffin. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Muffins Merry & Bright
Let’s keep these muffins tasting fresh. Cool them completely first. Then, pop them in an airtight container. They will stay lovely on the counter for two days. For longer, the freezer is your friend. Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them all in a freezer bag. They’ll be happy there for up to three months.
I once froze a whole batch for my grandson’s visit. He was so thrilled to have a warm treat ready! Thaw them overnight on the counter. Or warm a frozen muffin in the microwave for 30 seconds. This planning matters. It means a special breakfast is always just minutes away.
Have you ever tried storing muffins this way? Share your tips below!
Muffin Magic: Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Is your batter too thick? Your bananas might not be ripe enough. Very ripe bananas add moisture and sweetness. I remember using green bananas once. The muffins were dry and not sweet at all. Use bananas covered in brown spots for the best flavor.
Are your muffins tough? You might be over-mixing. Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine. This matters because gentle mixing keeps muffins tender and soft. Do the Nutella swirls sink? Make sure your batter is thick. Also, just swirl the top lightly with a toothpick.
This prevents the Nutella from disappearing inside. Getting a nice swirl builds your kitchen confidence. It shows you can create something beautiful. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a good gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum in it.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead?
A: You can mix dry and wet ingredients separately the night before. Combine them in the morning just before baking.
Q: I don’t have yogurt. What can I use?
A: Sour cream is a great swap. Or use buttermilk. Both will work just fine here.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely. Doubling works perfectly for a bigger crowd or for more freezer treats.
Q: Are the hazelnuts optional?
A: Of course! Leave them out if you like. The muffins will still be delicious. *Fun fact: Nutella is made from hazelnuts and cocoa!* Which of these tips will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope your kitchen fills with the wonderful smell of these muffins. Food is about sharing joy and making memories. It is one of life’s simplest pleasures. I would love to hear about your baking adventure.
Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below. Share a picture if you can. I always love to see your creations.
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Nutella Banana Christmas Morning Muffins
Description
Start your holiday morning with these delightful Nutella Banana Christmas Morning Muffins. Moist banana muffins swirled with Nutella and studded with toasted hazelnuts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper muffin liners or coating it with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, thoroughly combine the mashed bananas, plain yogurt, beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract using a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
- Gently fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula. Stir only until the ingredients are just combined; the batter should remain thick and slightly lumpy. Avoid overmixing to preserve tenderness.
- Fold in the toasted hazelnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Place approximately 1 teaspoon of Nutella on the top of each muffin and swirl gently using a toothpick to create a marbled effect.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 24 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin (avoiding Nutella) comes out clean.
- Allow muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture. Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.