If you’re looking for the perfect recipe to satisfy a red velvet craving, these soft and fluffy red velvet muffins with white chocolate are for you. With their beautiful red color, classic red velvet flavor, and a hint of chocolate in a non-traditional sense, they’re the perfect way to make any morning or special occasion feel extra special.

These muffins deliver moist crumbs, rich flavor, and a pop of sweetness from the white chocolate chunks and you’ll be wondering if they should be called “red velvet cupcakes” instead – but only you can decide that!

Ingredients

This recipe calls for simple pantry staples, found in any grocery store. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect muffin texture and flavor:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the muffins. Measuring it correctly ensures the right balance of wet and dry ingredients.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that hint of chocolate essential to classic red velvet recipes.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with moisture retention.
Baking soda & baking powder: These leavening agents work together to give the muffins a high-rise and fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Greek yogurt: Adds tang and moisture while keeping the muffins light. Use it at room temperature for the best mix.
Milk: Helps thin the batter slightly. Full-fat milk ensures rich and moist crumbs.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the muffins tender and moist without overpowering the flavor.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure. Room-temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter.
Vanilla extract: Complements the chocolate and adds depth to the classic red velvet flavor.
Red food coloring: Gel food coloring works best for a vibrant red hue without altering the texture.
White chocolate chunks: Add a creamy sweetness to each bite and pair beautifully with the red velvet flavor.

Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe!

Add-ons & Substitutions

Add-ons

Sprinkle a crumb topping on top of the muffins for extra textures
Lightly cover the top with a swirl of a simple cream cheese frosting

Substitutions

Substitute the yogurt with sour cream if you don’t have it at hand
Substitute the milk with buttermilk for soft and tangy muffins
Swap white chocolate chunks with dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a less sweet option.

How to Make these Delicious Fluffy Muffins

Start by lining a large muffin pan with paper liners, or grease the muffin tin if you prefer to skip the liners. Set the pan aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well mixed.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the yogurt, milk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Gently mix by hand until just combined, being careful not to over-mix to avoid tough muffins.

Adding wet ingredients to dry ingredients

Cover the batter and set it aside while you preheat your oven to 400°F. Resting the muffin batter for 10–15 minutes allows the flour to hydrate, relaxes gluten for a tender crumb, and enhances flavor while promoting an even rise.

When the oven is ready, fold in the white chocolate chips. Using an ice cream scoop or large cookie scoop, fill the muffin cups about 3/4 full.

Bake muffins for 23-28 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When the muffins are right out of the oven, sprinkle additional chocolate chunks or chips on top.

Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips

Always use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and a more even bake
To fully incorporate the red food coloring, be sure to mix the food coloring with the wet ingredients first to ensure it blends thoroughly before combining with the dry ingredients
Resting the batter before baking helps produce fluffier muffins with a domed top
Avoid opening the oven door while the muffins are baking to maintain a consistent oven temperature and prevent sinking
Use a rubber spatula for folding in the chocolate chunks to avoid overworking the batter
For the best rise, start baking at a high temperature (400°F) as it helps the muffins rise quickly in the first few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store these muffins?

Store the cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely. Once the muffins are completely cool, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.

Do I have to use liners?

While liners make cleanup easier, you can grease the muffin pan instead. Just ensure it’s well-coated with nonstick cooking spray or oil.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

You can skip it for “plain” chocolate muffins.

What kind of cocoa should I use?

For this recipe, unsweetened natural cocoa powder works best to achieve the classic red velvet flavor with a slight tang. If you use Dutch-processed cocoa, the taste will be richer but less traditional, as it lacks the acidity that reacts with the leavening agents.

Why should you use a wire rack to cool baked goods?

A wire rack allows air to circulate around the muffins, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy and ensuring they cool evenly. It also helps to avoid overcooking from residual heat in the pan.

Can I make mini muffins with this recipe?

Yes, you can! Simply use a mini muffin pan and reduce the baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Watch in this video as I cut into these Red Velvet Muffins with White Chocolate for a peek at their soft, rich texture!

If you enjoyed these Red Velvet Muffins and want more inspiration, check out some Muffin recipes, or take a look at the links below for more red velvet-inspired desserts and similar recipes.